FIREFIGHTERS agreed yesterday to promote and affiliate to progressive left-wing publications such as the Morning Star and Red Pepper.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) conference heard that the right-wing press “poisons the minds of its readers with lies and hate” and delegates recognised that there was a need for alternative narratives.

Devon & Somerset’s Scott Young, who led the debate, told the Star yesterday: “There’s a biased media narrative in this country in favour of right-wing politics.

“We need to recognise that there’s an alternative that supports trade unions and we need to do more to promote them given how small they are.”

Action to promote them include circulating copies at fire stations and offering advertising space in the Firefighter magazine.

The union already has a seat on the management committee of the People’s Press Printing Society, the co-operative that publishes the Morning Star.

Avon delegate Steven McGreavy added: “The right-wing press have been brainwashing the masses for far too long. We need a more level playing field in our media.”

Star editor Ben Chacko was delighted with the motion.

“Firefighters are right that the ownership of Britain’s media by a rich elite distorts the news and means millions are force-fed Conservative propaganda rather than informative journalism,” he said.

“As the paper of the labour movement, we’re proud that the FBU is a shareholder in the Morning Star and sits on our management committee, providing fantastic support.

“I welcome this affirmation of our close relationship and we send solidarity to firefighters at their conference.”