Government backtracks on plans to make Coastguard Rescue Officers volunteers
Alison Hume MP praises decision to maintain current Coastguard arrangements
The MP for Scarborough and Whitby has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap plans to make Coastguard Rescue Officers volunteers.
In a statement, Minister Keir Mather said: “Plans to move to the expenses-only volunteer model in September will not go ahead, and that current arrangements will remain in place.”
Alison Hume said: “I welcome the Minister’s intervention to end a summer of uncertainty. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency made a poor and rushed decision following a court ruling which, if implemented, would have decimated our cherished 999 emergency service.
“I’ve met Coastguard Rescue Officers across my constituency and I pledged I would fight for them. They deserve a management who values them.
“Having previously met MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea, who vigorously defended the MCA’s decision and inferred it was supported by the majority of CROs, I would suggest Ms McVea should now review her position in the light of this debacle.”
“CROs are highly trained emergency responders who time and time again turn out, day and night, not only to rescue people, but to deal with desperately upsetting situations involving suicide.
“Many of them have given decades of service and hold skills which other emergency services rely on. It was powerful to hear from them and know that the government was actively listening. It is gratifying that Minister Mather acted swiftly.”
Ms Hume added: “I want to pay tribute to the service CROs give to our coastal communities in Scarborough, Whitby and the villages and let them know that my work on their behalf has just started.
“The Government has announced they will explore options for how CROs can be properly recognised and rewarded in the future, and I will play my part in these discussions.”