The Fire Brigades Union was slammed by both Tony Blair and John Prescott yesterday.

The prime minister described the behaviour of the fire fighters as "Scargillite" and made it clear that he will not give way on the 40 per cent demand.

Blair also expressed his frustration to aides and ministers that Andy Gilchrist, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, is refusing to cooperate with the review of fire fighters' pay and conditions under Sir George Bain.

The deputy prime minister told the House of Commons that the planned 36 days of strikes were "completely unjustified". The claim for a 40 per cent rise was "indefensible", he said.

The latest round of megaphone diplomacy came as the TUC expressed "full support" for a fair and decent deal for fire fighters.

John Monks backed the union, saying the chancellor had already pre-judged the independent pay review.

About 100 Labour MPs are expected to attend a "clear the air" meeting with Andy Gilchrist this evening.

The meeting has been arranged by Jim Fitzpatrick, a government whip who was a fireman until five years ago.

The FT concludes that the looming strike is Blair's biggest domestic test since entering Downing Street.