Emergency legislation to end the fire dispute has been passed by MPs.

The government won the emergency Commons votes to get the fire service bill into law.

The legislation gives the government powers to impose a settlement in its long-running dispute with the Fire Brigades Union over pay and conditions.

Union leader Andy Gilchrist had described the legislation as a "deeply disturbing move".

"It will cause deep resentment within the fire service. You can impose an offer but you can't impose agreement," he said.

Local government minister Nick Raynsford defended his decision saying it was "a short term measure".

"It is only because of the circumstances related to the fire dispute. We always made it clear we would introduce this measure so that we can draw a line under this dispute," he told MPs.

The Conservatives backed the principle that the dispute had to be brought to an end but warned the legislation could not be allowed to stay on the statue book for any longer than 18 months.

"This dispute in the fire service has dragged on for over a year now. Lives are being put at risk," said shadow Philip Hammond.

"It is not about fairness - or any other abstract concept - but about public safety."