Inept politicians have turned a blind eye, hoping the firefighters' strike threat would go away.

I watched Government minister Nick Raynsford prevaricating and trying to avoid the issue on BBC2's Newsnight. He was clearly embarrassed. For viewers, the discussion must have appeared meaningless.

It is obvious that the role of firefighters has changed from simply fighting fires. They now have to respond to other difficult and dangerous circumstances.

It should not have been difficult for the Government to recognise that firefighters were falling so far behind in their pay.

Those who write in derogatory terms about the fire service and its personnel should volunteer for some of the duties.

I am not a fireman or a retired fireman, just a member of the public wishing to see some equity and equality, and the matter treated urgently by politicians.

JOHN BULLIVANT

Leiden Road

Headington

Oxford