FIREFIGHTERS in Medway today sent a defiant message to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott that their resolve to see the strikes through is stronger than ever.

Crews reacted furiously to Mr Prescott's announcement yesterday that new laws were being drawn up to control firefighters' pay and working practices.

Firefighters picketing Strood station summed it up by writing out the message: The Strike Isn't Over Till The Fat Bloke Signs. Union leaders insist support from their members and the public is holding up.

Terry Carter, vice chairman for the Fire Brigades Union's Kent division, said: "The membership is strong. There is disappointment that they still have to go on strike, but after Mr Prescott's announcement, they feel they have no choice.

"The speech has definitely hardened our resolve. Members are asking why are we paying money into the TUC and is our Prime Minister Tony Thatcher or Maggie Blair?

They see Mr Prescott as a poacher-turned-gamekeeper. He has been a union member most of his life and now, all of a sudden, he has turned on the members."

Mr Prescott's announcement would see the Government draw up legislation so that it has more power over the fire service, with Mr Prescott allowed to set pay and conditions.

Derek Pilling, FBU branch secretary for Strood, said: "Mr Prescott is using bully-boy tactics. There is nothing wrong with modernisation, but what he is suggesting would represent closing fire stations."