‘Farce’ as MOD forced to halt fire outsourcing

SNP MPS have condemned “another Whitehall farce” after the Ministry of Defence suspended the outsourcing of the defence fire service due to a court challenge.

Plans to outsource management of the Defence Fire and Rescue Service, which protects military bases, had drawn warnings over the risk that contractor Capita could collapse, as construction giant Carillion did recently.

Now the contract is on hold following a legal challenge from rival firm Serco. “It’s becoming clear that Gavin Williamson isn’t up to the task of being Defence Secretary,” said SNP spokesman Stewart Mcdonald MP.