Fire union boycott could jeopardise terror response

London's ability to respond to a terrorist attack was put in doubt today after the Fire Brigades Union refused to man emergency vehicles.

The FBU has ordered its members not to provide the essential cover until a health and safety dispute is resolved.

The industrial action meant only two of the capital's 10 incident response units were available. Each IRU can decontaminate up to 400 people in the event of a chemical, nuclear or biological attack. FBU leaders say members should not drive or ride in the units until they have had sufficient training.

London Fire Brigade Commissioner Ken Knight today described the industrial action as "very scary". He accused the FBU of using the issue as a "smokescreen", adding that "good firefighters" who wanted to operate the units were being prevented by the union hierarchy.