The FBU Podcast

Adam Taylor is joined by former health secretary Wes Streeting to discuss the recent announcement to implement the firefighter health concordat in 2027.

The health concordat sets out a commitment to:

1. Regular health monitoring for currently serving and retired firefighters
2. Improved NHS data collection on firefighter health
3. Further research into cancers and other diseases caused by the job

In 2013, wildfires were listed on the government risk register but there's still no UK wide strategy for how we respond to them.

Tam McFarlane is joined by FBU general secretary Steve Wright, FBU rep Liam Jones and brigade secretary Amanda Mills to discuss the growing risk of wildfires.

Tam McFarlane is joined by FBU general secretary Steve Wright, and assistant general secretary Ben Selby to discuss the 2026 pay offer.

Steve and Ben give a breakdown of the offer and provide context to the negotiations the FBU has been in with the NJC, including pay reform.

The electronic ballot opens 15 June, and closes 2 July. 

Make your voice heard - every vote counts!

Earshot and Forensic Architecture used forensic audio analysis to investigate the killing of aid workers in Gaza, including firefighters. Their report and film, The Last Responders (2026), details evidence of what happened. 

FBU National Officer, Tam McFarlane speaks with Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Director of Investigations at Earshot, and Jess Bernard, Trade Union Organiser for Palestine Solidarity Campaign, about the report and the wider context of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with national officer Adam Taylor, EC member for Oxfordshire Chris Wycherley, and National Women’s Committee Secretary Robyn Richardson. 

Bringing you updates on the Health and Safety Summit, the Oxfordshire ballot against cuts, and the TUC Women’s Conference.

The fire service is an all-hazards emergency service. When someone calls 999, they deserve a rapid, fully staffed, fully equipped response. Nothing less.

Oxfordshire FBU members, vote YES and return your consultative ballot on industrial action before 30 March.

Available on all podcast platforms.

In this special episode of the FBU podcast, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, the widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson. 

In 2018, Jeff was diagnosed with lung cancer and died. Anne is now fighting for a legal precedent that could see firefighters accessing regular health monitoring and compensation for occupational diseases.

FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with general secretary Steve Wright, and FBU regional chair for London, Gareth Beeton, in a brand new monthly show. This months Red Notice includes updates on the Autumn Budget, the Government's decision to scrap the PFCC model, and the underfunding crisis across London.

FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with general secretary Steve Wright, EC member Joe Weir, and brigade officials in a brand new monthly show. This months Red Notice includes updates on cuts in Buckinghamshire, Avon and Oxfordshire.

Fire services across the UK face unprecedented funding cuts at a time when wildfire incidents are at record highs. FBU General Secretary Steve Wright, along with Executive Council member Colin Brown, Regional Secretary Duncan Stewart-Ball, and Regional Treasurer Dave Pike, discuss the devastating impact of austerity on fire and rescue services. From station closures to appliances off the run, they reveal how 15 years of cuts are putting communities at risk when they need protection most.