FIREFIGHTERS from across Suffolk joined their counterparts from across the country to protest against government cuts yesterday.

Around 2,000 members of the Fire Brigades Union joined the rally outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

The Suffolk contingent were met by Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. He said of particular concern to Suffolk fire fighters was the impending closure of Ipswich’s fire control centre.

Dr Poulter, backing Suffolk’s firefighters, said: “It is vital to direct our resources both locally and nationally into frontline public services.”