Photos, clockwise from top right: Andy Gilchrist meets marching firefighters (Barbara Ludman iwitness), View across the rally from the platform (Maureen Rooney, TUC General Council), The march sets off along Embankment - (Guy Smallman, taken from IndyMedia UK )

On Saturday the 7th of December, Central London echoed to the sounds of klaxons, whistles, and a Scots pipe band, as thousands braved the bitter cold to demand fair pay for firefighters and emergency fire control staff.

Members of the fire service, their friends and their families came from all over the country, with coaches setting off in the small hours from as far away as St Andrews in Scotland. They were joined by trades unionists from many of the TUC's affiliated unions, with local branches bringing banners and supporters.

The procession took 2 hours to walk from Embankment, through Trafalgar Square, and along Piccadilly to Hyde Park. Despite the chill, and patches of rain, spirits were high, and the march progressed smoothly, with good support from Police along the route. Assembling in the park as darkness fell, the crowd heard messages of support, and short speeches from FBU, TUC, and union leaders.

Andy Gilchrist, General Secretary of the FBU, welcomed the number of supporters in Hyde Park, "This is a demonstration of the incredible amount of support we have throughout the union and Labour movement," he said, "Even on such a cold day such as today many thousands of people are prepared to march alongside us."

TUC General Secretary, John Monks, told the rally: "In the next fortnight the government had better realise one thing, government brings great power but it also brings great responsibility and in the next fortnight the main responsibility of this government is to negotiate fair pay for firefighters."

The event has given a boost to the FBU's campaign, as they re-enter negotiations over the pay dispute. You can follow the ongoing campaign at the FBU website http://www.fbu.org.uk.

What now?

With the demo over, fp4f.com's job is finished for now. Thanks to everyone who helped to promote this website and the march and rally. The campaign is far from over though. We'll continue to support the FBU in their claim for fair pay, and hope you will too. You can find ways of doing this here.