House of Commons · Westminster Hall
14 January 2025 · 7 other contributors · 9,179 words
Opened by Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Responding minister: Mike Kane
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about coastguard helicopter services in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Alistair Carmichael asks for confirmation that the review of the UKSAR2G procurement will indicate a return to a 15-minute response time or else a campaign to save this service may be necessary.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The service in Sumburgh, part of Alistair Carmichael's constituency, has been highly regarded due to its heroic incidents. In November 2023, a memo suggested increasing the response time from 15 minutes to 60 minutes for helicopters stationed at Sumburgh and Stornoway, leading to significant public concern.
The SNP MP supports the concerns raised by the lead MP, emphasizing that the value of SAR services outweighs any cost considerations. He suggests that the contract should include cultural undertakings to ensure a focus on safety. The hon. Gentleman acknowledged the sentiment and bravery of helicopter crews, emphasising that while helicopters are expensive, their value is immense and cannot be compromised in the pursuit of cost-cutting measures. Asked the Minister if he was aware of any Government plans to introduce NHS-owned air ambulances, citing Scotland's provision of such services.
Highlighted the importance of focusing on saving lives rather than just measuring services by financial metrics. Recalled an incident where search and rescue helicopters rescued a crew from a chemical-laden vessel in the Pentland Firth. Emphasised the potential for disastrous consequences if such services were not available.
Asked whether it is imperative to retain flexibility in the search and rescue service for emergency situations, referencing a tragic incident involving his constituent.
Discussed drone technology in Aberdeen for quick delivery of blood supplies and mentioned the importance of logistics in aviation and maritime sectors.
Praised the bravery and commitment of coastguard rescue teams and helicopter services, noting that many lives have been saved due to these efforts. Discussed the new contract awarded by the previous Conservative Government for UK’s second-generation search and rescue aviation programme.
The right hon. Member congratulated his colleague on securing this debate, acknowledging long-standing campaigning efforts for helicopter search and rescue services that have garnered appreciation across the UK.
Cited statistics showing that coastguard search and rescue helicopters rescued 1,425 people in the year ending March 2024. Highlighted the need for extending helipad safe zones at hospitals.
Government Response
Mike KaneThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
It is a pleasure and an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Furniss. I formally thank all members of our search and rescue teams for their commitment and dedication in helping people in need during the recent storms. The readiness states of the search and rescue helicopters based in Sumburgh and Stornoway will be maintained at 15 minutes by day and 45 minutes by night. Chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will write to relevant Members this month regarding these changes. Additional investment has been achieved by my Department during challenging financial times, ensuring a world-class search and rescue service with significant technological advances. The second-generation search and rescue aviation contract is a £1.6 billion investment for a fleet of advanced aircraft, maintaining 24-hour services at all bases and introducing two seasonal bases in Scotland and northern England.