Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus MacNeil has tabled Parliamentary Questions to the Department for Transport at the UK government following reports that ‘The Future of Coastguard Programme’ has not made any progress and that this indecision is leading to difficulties within Coastguard stations.

Angus MacNeil said:

“I understand that delays within the UK government have meant that the MCA are losing experienced staff because of the uncertainty surrounding the Coastguard service, particularly in terms of employees re-grading.

“I am concerned at reports relayed to me personally, that some Coastguard stations are short-staffed.  This, if true, could have serious implications for safety at sea and must not be allowed to continue.  Safety should always be paramount.

“I have tabled questions to the Department for Transport to ask about employee re-grading. Coastguards provide an essential service and are available ‘round the clock’ and this should be recognised by the UK government.”

ENDS

NOTES:

Find transcript of the Parliamentary Written Question to Transport below:

• what progress is being made regarding Coastguard employee re-grading.
  • When shall the process of MCA employee re-grading be complete?
  • What monitoring of staff departures from the MCA is being made during the re-grading process?
  • How many Coastguard watches have been understaffed, and at which stations, in the UK in the last 12 months.