The union for UK firefighters has refused to confirm whether it would provide emergency cover for major terrorist incidents in the event of a national strike.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Andy Gilchrist said the government had refused to fund a "new directions" review, which would have meant an extra �200m to improve UK emergency services' response to such incidents.

But he said the union was still discussing whether it would provide any cover in the case of terrorist emergency as it ballots on strike action.

The FBU wants an increase in firefighters' pay from �21,000 to �30,000.

'Overwhelming backing'

Mr Gilchrist, speaking at the TUC Conference in Blackpool on Wednesday, acknowledged that firefighters were not the sort to leave the UK at risk in the event of any terrorist emergency.

"If you know the kind of people we represent, you will understand what we would do in that circumstance," he said.

We are absolutely determined to finally end the tradition of low pay in the fire service

Andy Gilchrist, FBU

A ballot for a national strike is expected to be announced on Thursday at a special recall conference in Manchester.

The union says it has overwhelming backing for strike action, and support from other unions such as rail workers.

It expects severe disruption to many aspects of normal life in Britain if a strike goes ahead, with possible shutdowns on safety grounds of the London Underground, rail network, airports, and the Channel Tunnel.

Football matches, including Premiership games, could also be affected as they depend on proper fire cover.

Bob Crow, head of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) workers' union, told BBC News Online that members were considering a ballot on copycat strike action on safety grounds.

Tube 'action'

But he stressed any strike action - which will be discussed by the RMT executive next week - would only occur on services affected by the firefighters' strikes.

These include London Underground, Mersey Rail and Tyne and Wear Metro.

Their decision comes after management had failed to guarantee safety on London Underground in the event of a firefighters' strike.

A risk assessment is not due to be completed before 21 September, said Mr Crow.

It has rejected government plans for a pay inquiry.

The FBU is holding a special conference in Manchester on Thursday, which is expected to sanction an industrial action ballot.

"We are absolutely determined to finally end the tradition of low pay in the fire service," Mr Gilchrist told the Blackpool conference.