Firefighters in Redbridge mounted picket lines again this morning as they staged a fresh 24-hour strike in their long-running row with the government over pensions.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) walked out at 9am for their 48th period of industrial action since the dispute flared.

The London Fire Brigade has contingency plans in place to preserve the service – but certain smaller incidents may not all be attended.

The FBU said that after three years of discussions, firefighters still faced a “stark” choice of being sacked or having their pension severely reduced.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters in England are reluctantly calling further strike action as a direct result of the Westminster government’s failure to listen and negotiate over pensions.

“Firefighters are asking the Westminster government to immediately open genuine negotiations to resolve this dispute. They should also hold a House of Commons debate to fully scrutinise the legislation and there should be a parliamentary vote on the regulations.

“We are not going to give up or go away. Firefighters will fight for however long it takes to secure a fair pensions deal.”

Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “This strike action is completely unnecessary and we are disappointed by the FBU’s decision, which does nothing but damage the good reputation of the fire and rescue service.

“The government has worked hard to give firefighters one of the most generous pensions in the public sector.”