As the region prepares today for the first firefighters strike in 25 years, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has appealed to firemen "don't walk, talk."

The firefighters' dispute ''puts people and property at greater risk," said Mr Prescott , adding that the strike action was "unnecessary and unreasonable."

Mr Prescott, addressing a press conference in central London, said: "We cannot pay the 40 per cent therefore we have offered a fair deal, a good deal, based on reform. If they accept the modernisation, 11 per cent we believe is still a very good offer."

Mr Prescott told the FBU it had "a very real remedy in your own hands: don't put people's lives at risk. Be reasonable, not unreasonable - suspend the strike. I appeal to all firefighters - don't walk, talk."

Veteran left-wing former MP Tony Benn gave his support to firefighters at Lambeth fire station in Central London. Speaking at the station, which is the headquarters of London's fire brigade, Mr Benn said: "I think the firefighters should have a proper pay structure. They were offered 16 per cent by the local authorities and the Government stopped it.

"This is an unnecessary strike and it should be settled on the normal basis of negotiations."

Asked if the Government could afford the pay rise, he added: "There's plenty of money for a war, for the Dome, for the Royal Family. What about the people who keep us safe at home?"