RNLI Bicentenary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.