Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Steve Wright has pushed back against Labour Party real-terms cut to fire and rescue services across England, warning that “austerity under a Labour government is still austerity”.

“Next time there is a fire, a flood, or an extreme weather event, the public will ask why their fire service is unable to respond effectively”, he said. “The FBU urges the government to think again and deliver the investment we need to keep people safe.”