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RNLI Bicentenary
26 March 2024
Lead MP
Anthony Mangnall
Responding Minister
Anthony Browne
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 12443
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Anthony Mangnall raised concerns about rnli bicentenary in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The House should recognise the RNLI's bicentennial anniversary and support its ongoing efforts to save lives at sea through volunteer work and fundraising activities. The debate aims to highlight the organisation's importance and celebrate its remarkable achievements over two centuries.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The RNLI has a rich history of saving lives at sea and its bicentennial anniversary is being celebrated across the UK with various events. Despite facing numerous challenges, including oar-powered launches for almost 90 years and the sinking of lifeboats such as in Salcombe's tragic disaster in 1916, the organisation remains resilient. Today, the RNLI operates from over 238 stations and has saved nearly 150,000 lives.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Praised the RNLI's commitment to saving lives at sea and highlighted its importance in coastal communities. Noted that the charity has saved 146,000 people across the UK and Ireland since its inception and mentioned a local incident from 1866 which resulted in significant loss of life among volunteers. Emphasised the RNLI's role beyond rescue operations, including water safety education and prevention efforts.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
Discussed the importance of RNLI lifeboats in saving lives, mentioning local Glasgow Humane Society and RNLI's role in Scotland. Emphasized that RNLI rescues anyone regardless of origin or legal status. Paid tribute to the RNLI and discussed issues related to migrants in the channel, emphasizing the RNLI's commitment to rescuing everyone who needs help.
Damian Collins
Con
Tunbridge Wells
Acknowledged the community support for RNLI lifeboats at Dungeness and Littlestone in his constituency, noting their contributions from rescuing British servicemen during Dunkirk to current operations in the channel. Acknowledged Judith Richardson, a volunteer with more than 50 years of service, who was one of the last 'lady launchers' helping to physically drag lifeboats out to sea until 1977.
Duncan Baker
Con
North Norfolk
Paid tribute to the RNLI's work and highlighted its importance in North Norfolk, mentioning Henry Blogg as a significant figure. Raised concerns over water ingress affecting the Bailey vessel at Cromer, stressing that it is invaluable to the local community and must remain there.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Congratulated the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate, commended the RNLI crew and volunteers in Portrush for their excellent work in treacherous waters off the north coast of Northern Ireland and the east coast of Scotland.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Honoured to serve under the chairship, Jim Shannon commended the hon. Member for Totnes on setting the scene and highlighted the RNLI's bicentenary milestone of saving 146,277 lives. He emphasized the importance of volunteer lifeboat crews in Strangford lough and the Irish Sea, noting that volunteers saved 1,535 lives across Northern Ireland's 10 lifeboat stations since its establishment. Shannon also mentioned the RNLI's seasonal teams along the Causeway coast responding to 2,894 incidents with 3,461 people aided, including 47 lives saved. He expressed gratitude for Philip Johnston, a volunteer leader in Portaferry who has recently retired. Praised the RNLI's work in Northern Ireland and questioned Government support, highlighting its independence from Government funding.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay and South Devon
He congratulated the Member for Totnes on securing the debate and highlighted the role of the RNLI in south Devon, particularly mentioning Keith Bower's gold medal for conspicuous gallantry. Kevin also noted the fundraising efforts by the Torbay lifeboat team and acknowledged the support from local communities and organisations like the National Coastwatch Institution Torbay. Paid tribute to the RNLI's wider work in safety and support within communities. Mentioned seeing boats on Boxing Day walks as a positive sign.
Wirral South
Margaret Greenwood highlighted the bicentenary of the RNLI, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of volunteers. She noted that RNLI lifeboat crews launched over 9,000 times in 2022, aiding 16,476 people and saving 389 lives. She mentioned a tragic incident from 1810 where eight men were drowned while trying to assist the ship Traveller, leading to a memorial for those lost. Greenwood praised the current state-of-the-art lifeboats at Hoylake and West Kirby, emphasizing the importance of ongoing fundraising support. Touched on the tragic story of the Traveller, where eight out of ten people died, impacting the local community of Hoylake.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
He thanked the RNLI for its 200 years of service and raised a point about expanding rescue operations to inland waterways. Matt highlighted the potential role of trained volunteers in assisting police in river rescues, citing an example where a local resident received a medal for saving someone who had fallen into the Thames. Asked if the RNLI could help with inland rescue, noting its importance and local expertise in boats and boatyards.
Therese Coffey
Con
Suffolk Coastal
Coffey praised the RNLI's historical significance and its role in saving lives, highlighting incidents such as a large peacetime rescue operation in Southwold. She expressed concern over recent cultural issues within the organisation, particularly regarding Aldeburgh lifeboat station's management changes that led to community dissatisfaction. Coffey noted poor communication and transparency from the RNLI headquarters during these challenges. I have not asked the Government to intervene and appreciate the RNLI's work, highlighting a recent incident. Emphasised that I am representing my constituents without insulting them.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Arfon
Highlighted the historical significance of RNLI lifeboat stations on Anglesey, noting that while technology has reduced the number of stations from 13 to four, the community's support remains strong. Mentions several recent instances where volunteers have been recognised for their bravery and service, including the Trearddur bay crew receiving medals in 2022. Intervened to express approval for the debate topic, commenting positively on the name mentioned. Celebrated fundraising efforts, including a chimney demolition that raised over £10,000 for the RNLI in her constituency.
Government Response
Anthony Browne
Government Response
Congratulated the RNLI on its bicentenary, highlighting its achievements and independence from Government. Noted over 144,000 lives saved since 1824 and 9,000 lifeboat launches in 2023 alone. Mentioned RNLI's impact inland and paid tribute to volunteers who have lost their lives saving others.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.