Wayne Rawlins, of Washabrook Mill, Kingsbridge, writes: This week I made the ­journey from Kingsbridge to Westminster. Labour won a debate against changes to firefighter pensions. Over 280 MPs had signed an early-day motion saying the new regulations were unworkable. I sat in the public gallery and watched the drama unfold. Firefighters accept that all public-sector pensions need changing, but it needs to be done fairly and responsibly. It seemed the opposition won the debate, highlighting that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland had all avoided industrial action and achieved agreement within HM Treasury guidelines. English firefighters alone face the risk of being sacked with no job and a deferred pension if they fail the fitness test in their later years; or losing 22 per cent of their pension, as opposed to nine per cent in the other regions, if they retire before 60, highlighting the risks to firefighter safety and the public of having 60-year-old firefighters. Listening to the debate, I had hoped that common sense would prevail. The arguments were clear and obvious. The call to get back around the table and treat firefighters with decency would surely be heard. The speaker called for a vote. A firefighter shouts out: 'Where do I vote?' – well, it is our ­pension. Every Conservative MP betrayed firefighters that day, including our own MP Dr Sarah Wollaston. The party whip had forced the vote, the debate meant nothing. As I left I saw a firefighter with tears streaming down her face; she said she knows she can't pass the fitness test and the demands of the job at 60. With further cuts to come I fear for what the fire service will look like in the South Hams in five years. Do you really want 60-year-olds on your fire engines? Keep an eye on what the Government is planning to do with your local services. Please support your firefighters and let our MP know what you think. Stay safe this Christmas and test your smoke alarms. These are my own personal views.