Yesterday, I attended a Westminster Hall debate and a parliamentary event to challenge the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's worrying decision to scrap payments for our dedicated Coastguard Rescue Officers. These volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, putting themselves at the forefront of keeping our coastline and communities safe.
I have been contacted by a number of Mablethorpe Coastguard Rescue Officers who are deeply concerned that this decision will force many experienced personnel to leave the service as they will not be able to continue.
This is simply unacceptable. The Government must maintain the existing payment system until it has worked with Coastguard Rescue Officers to develop a fair and sustainable alternative that protects both the future of the service and the safety of our coastline.