Highlights from day two of FBU annual conference 2026.
We’ve had discussions on Labour affiliation, health and safety, and international solidarity.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Earshot delivered an excellent fringe event on a recent report into the killing of Palestinian aid workers.
The FBU podcast will address this report soon!
Labour promised change, but fire stations are still closing.
The fire service was decimated under 14 years of Tory rule, and in two years, Labour hasn't done enough to reverse that.
The next Labour leader will need to commit to fixing the fire service and deliver real change and proper investment. That's what our members are calling for, and that's what the FBU will be demanding.
This Thursday, 14 May, our Ambassador delivered a moving address at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
During her speech, the Ambassador conveyed the warmest, most fraternal greetings on behalf of the Cuban people and, most especially, the heroic men and women of the Fire Brigade of Cuba. She highlighted the severe impact of the current energy siege and the tightening of the blockade, noting how our public servants are forced to face emergencies with severely limited resources, yet with unwavering conviction and resilience.
In the context of this event, we are deeply grateful for the presentation and steadfast support of the Emergency Resolution on "Solidarity with Cuba and Against External Aggression," put forward by the Merseyside delegation. The conference strongly condemned the recent hostile rhetoric and the new executive orders imposing additional sanctions on our nation.
In a powerful display of internationalist spirit, the FBU ratified its resolution to formally oppose all coercive economic measures and reiterated its commitment to urge the UK government to advocate for the immediate lifting of the blockade.
As the Ambassador highlighted when addressing the delegates: "It is easy to offer friendship when the sun is shining... But for more than twenty-five years, the Fire Brigades Union has been a friend during the most difficult of seasons. A union like the FBU will always find a kindred spirit in the people of Cuba."
Thank you for your unwavering solidarity, FBU! 🇨🇺🤝🇬🇧
#CubaVive #FBUConference2026 #LetCubaLive #HandsofCuba #Solidarity
Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, tragically lost their lives in a fire at the Bicester Motion site one year ago today. Both were FBU members based at Bicester fire station in Oxfordshire.
Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of Jennie and Martyn today. #WeRemember
FBU conference 2026 has voted to remain affiliated to Labour, ensuring its members will have a say in the election of a new party leader.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said, "The FBU is determined to use this affiliation to do all we can to decisively change the policies and direction of the Labour Party. As a Labour-affiliated union, the FBU will fight for a government that truly represents the working class."
Misogyny is a systemic issue that undermines not only women but the safety, unity and integrity of all our members.
FBU assistant general secretary, Ben Selby, speaks with NWC rep for Scotland, Kerry McCrone.
When we defend trade union rights anywhere, we strengthen them everywhere.
Steve Wright delivered his first conference 2026 speech today.
"Employers coordinate globally. Markets operate globally. And, even more than ever, workers are exploited globally. So, in the same way that capital operates globally, workers must organise globally too."
Black and Ethnic Minority members face disproportionate use of police stop and search powers.
FBU assistant general secretary, Ben Selby, speaks with B&EMM London rep, Corneil Power.
Conference resolutions on equality matters, impacts all workers.
FBU assistant general secretary, Ben Selby, speaks with LGBT+ London secretary, Gemma Betts.
Highlights from day one of FBU annual conference 2026.
We’ve had discussions on pay, fairness and equality, and pensions.
Thank you to @standuptoracismuk who spoke at our first fringe event.
Yesterday, delegates discussed fire and rescue service pay and the necessary reform of our pay structure.
The government must invest in our service and deliver a betterment to the pay of firefighters.
The solidarity medal is the highest award given by the Fire Brigades Union. It is awarded to recognise solidarity or acts of exceptional merit.
Doug Christie, senior partner at Thompsons and the FBU’s trusted legal adviser for nearly two decades, provided expert counsel that proved groundbreaking for the FBU, helping navigate hostile legislation to secure members’ rights to industrial action in national and local disputes.
Today, Doug’s wife, Ann-Marie Christie accepted the award on his behalf as he sadly passed away late last year.
