Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by CROs and emphasised that the volunteer model was initially considered better for maintaining flexibility in service provision. He committed to further engagement with CROs, trade unions, and MPs before any changes are implemented.

Mr Carmichael pressed the Minister on legislative change options, requested assurances regarding whistleblowing investigations, and sought clarification about why survey results were not disclosed earlier. He urged for a thorough and independent investigation into management culture.

Crichton declared his role in the all-party parliamentary group for volunteer rescue services and highlighted that local CROs requested a pause in consultation to listen to their concerns. He called for full information sharing throughout the process.

Smith congratulated Carmichael on securing the urgent question and expressed deep concern over the decision's impact on coastal communities. He presented survey data indicating significant potential departures among CROs, questioning why this was not anticipated by the Department and demanding immediate action to protect public safety.

The Minister acknowledges the concerns raised by MPs about the decision to change CRO remuneration and operational model. He emphasises that the pause in scheduled consultations is a reflection of serious concerns expressed, and that decisions are based on impact assessments, operational evidence, and surveys. The Minister commits to ensuring long-term options are considered to retain operational capacity and value for CROs.

Co-chair of the APPG for coastal communities raises concerns about local CROs being undervalued and their decades-long experience. She invites the Minister to attend an evidence session next week where CROs will express their fears for the future.

The Member questions whether the Government spoke to any CROs before making a rushed decision, and calls for a full risk assessment of these changes. He also suggests viable alternatives such as remuneration systems or legislation to exempt CROs from worker status.

The Member requests a comprehensive assessment of all viable options so that the Government can reach an informed decision that is right for both CROs and communities they serve. She emphasises the unique nature of CRO roles in rural areas.

Challenges the accuracy of survey data presented by the MCA, questioning whether 93% of CROs were actually happy with moving to an unpaid volunteer model. He calls for proper consultation and confirms that he does not have confidence in the boss of the MCA.

The Member criticises the Labour Government's response to a court judgment confirming workers’ rights, arguing for a single status of worker as per their manifesto commitment. He emphasises the need for clarity and consistency in employment status laws.

Asks if MCA findings can be shared regarding CROs' preferences to be volunteers rather than employees, expressing concern over the potential impact on essential lifelines provided by CROs to coastal communities.

Paid tribute to the lifesaving work of local coastguard officers, volunteers, and independent lifeboat teams. Highlighted the importance of reviewing the Maritime Coastguard Agency's handling of the issue and emphasised the increased need for their services due to climate change.

Stressed the critical nature of swift resolution to ensure dedicated volunteers are not lost. Acknowledged the Minister's challenging position but pledged support for whatever measure is taken to resolve the issue.

Called on the Minister to engage with constituents in Plymouth who work as coastguard rescue officers, highlighting their additional responsibilities and lack of recognition. Emphasised the need for more than just remuneration but also recognition.

Highlighted the emotionally traumatic work carried out by coastguard rescue officers, including body recoveries. Stressed that not compensating people for such difficult tasks is an insult.

Expressed concern about the impact of compensation issues on coastguard services in north Ayrshire, and urged the Minister to resolve the issue quickly. Acknowledged the dedication of CROs to rural and island communities.

Suggested that the law should be changed due to its interference with the relationship between coastguard volunteers and the MCA. Criticised the legal reality resulting from a court judgment.

Asked about the expected response of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to a formal written request by the GMB union for collective bargaining purposes and voluntary recognition. Emphasised the importance of her dedicated volunteer coastguards.

Expressed concern from constituents in South Queensferry about potential changes affecting their local CROs, and invited the Minister to visit her constituency to hear further concerns before peak tourist season.

Minister emphasised the importance of engaging with CROs, committed to consulting trade unions and ensuring public safety through robust contingency plans.

Asked for reassurance on full consultation with GMB union and volunteer coastguards, concerned about communities in Blackpool North and Fleetwood being at risk due to proposed changes.

Met with Selsey coastguard CRO; raised questions regarding the impact assessment, lawful alternatives considered, and need for HMRC exemption. Requested a pause in September's change while considering an approach that does not risk gaps in emergency cover.

Met with local coastguards who are concerned about financial implications; encouraged CROs to join the GMB union and asked for HMRC exemption consideration. Also raised concerns over recent allegations against MCA.

Raised concerns from constituents about financial impact on small businesses, fear of reduced availability during working hours, and potential detrimental effect on recruitment and retention. Asked for assurances that changes will not be made until volunteers are treated fairly.

Expressed fears about the impact on local recruitment and retention in Hayling Island; requested proper consultation with CROs and invited Minister to meet with them in his constituency.

Discussed concerns from four coastguard stations in South Devon, highlighted operational risks due to changes; asked for full risk assessment publication and legislative carve-outs consideration.

Cited statistics of Hunstanton CRO responses, expressed concerns about public safety and CROs' reduced availability if proposed changes are implemented; requested a pause on the September change to work on long-term solutions.

Expressed shared concerns of CRO colleagues regarding the potential operational impact, requested public release of assessments and modelling for proper scrutiny before changes take effect.

Pays tribute to the team at the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and raises concerns about proposed changes to make CROs unpaid, recruitment issues, understaffing, stress, sickness, and inadequate pay compared to other emergency services. Calls for appropriate resource allocation.

Questions the Minister about finding a model that meets legal obligations while respecting bespoke remuneration for CROs in coastal areas like West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Raises awareness of tragic loss of lives at sea in Withernsea and urges the Minister to show greater urgency in addressing CRO remuneration issues ahead of summer season.

Invites the Minister to visit Selsey to see first-hand the dedication and value provided by CROs in isolated coastal communities. Highlights potential economic impacts on CROs losing their small stipends.

Questions the publication of an impact assessment combining incident demand, survey data, demographics, employment information, and financial analysis for Devon and high-demand areas like Exmouth. Requests guarantees that the move to expenses-only models will not reduce CRO availability or weaken emergency resilience.

Raises concerns about the impact of remuneration changes on whistleblowing rights and suggests alternative allowance models for CROs, similar to those used by councillors.

Inquires about the full impact assessment made on other maritime search and rescue organisations like RNLI. Mentions firsthand experience from training exercises with CROs during her parliamentary knowledge scheme.