A fresh attempt to break the deadlocked firefighters’ pensions dispute is being made with Labour demanding a debate in Parliament, it was revealed yesterday.

And 260 MPs have now signed a Commons early day motion, sponsored by Labour leader Ed Miliband, opposing the government’s controversial plan to force firefighters to maintain front-line fitness until they are 60 — or lose their full pensions.

Shadow ministers Hilary Benn and Lyn Brown have written to the government condemning the way it has handled the three-year row, causing repeated strikes by firefighters.

The next 24-hour stoppage is on Tuesday next week.

Mr Benn and Ms Brown told Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt: “You offered firefighters warm words and raised their hopes when you first took up your post, only to put down essentially the same offer.”

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Firefighters have been trying to get the government to listen for over three years but ministers have so far completely ignored all the evidence regarding the fitness demands of firefighting and the threat these proposals pose to firefighters.

“Firefighters are asking politicians from all parties to allow time for a full parliamentary debate next week on pensions so we can begin resolving this dispute.”

On Tuesday striking firefighters in Buckinghamshire will stage a protest in support of a sacked FBU activist.

Ricky Matthews has been a firefighter for 17 years and is a member of the FBU’s executive council. He was sacked after taking part in recent strike action.

The protest assembles at 11.30am in Oakfield Road Park, Aylesbury, for a march and rally.