Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s announcement regarding the future model for Coastguard Rescue Officers, what plans her department has to maintain operational resilience of HM Coastguard in South Suffolk, if significant numbers of experienced Coastguard Rescue Officers leave the service.

Changing the Coastguard Rescue Service operating model was not something which we wanted to do but is a mandated consequence of the Court of Appeal ruling.

Public safety remains our priority and careful consideration was given to the options for a revised operating model. The legal position, the operational implications, and the wider organisational impact have all been looked at in detail, as well as the views of current Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO). They were clear that serving their community was a major reason why they volunteer. Protecting volunteering preserves a valuable form of public service. The revised model protects choice, flexibility and the ability for people to serve alongside their primary employment.

Coastguard Rescue Officers will continue to receive expenses, training equipment and operational support as well as uniforms and personal protective equipment as they do today.

Contingency plans are in place to manage any disruption. HM Coastguard will continue to utilise the full UK Search and Rescue system, including HM Coastguard aviation assets, RNLI and independent lifeboats, independent rescue teams, lifeguards and other emergency services as they do today.