Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has formally endorsed the recent change to the terms of the Coastguard Rescue Service.

Since the Court of Appeal judgment in January this year, which meant that the current model could not legally continue, careful consideration has been given to the legal and operational implications.

After careful review and consideration of the options available to comply with the judgment, I agreed with the MCA’s recommendation that they should move the Coastguard Rescue Service to a revised volunteer model with expenses paid, but not hourly remuneration.

Volunteers will continue to receive training, equipment and operational support as well as uniforms and personal protective equipment. This revised volunteer model protects choice, flexibility and the ability for people to serve alongside their primary employment.

This decision does not reflect any reduction in the high value that we place on Coastguard Rescue Officers or the important service they provide.