MINISTERS must pour cold water on plans to privatise firefighting services on military bases in the wake of the Carillion collapse, union Unite told MPs today.

The union wrote to the Commons defence committee outlining its concerns over continuing plans to sell off Defence Fire and Rescue Services, which provides cover on Ministry of Defence sites. 

Bidding has been extended until this month, but both the firms believed to still be in the running for the contract — Serco and Capita — have “chequered records” delivering public services, Unite warned.