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RNLI and Independent Lifeboats: Covid-19 — [Stewart Hosie in the Chair]
13 October 2020
Lead MP
Anthony Mangnall
Responding Minister
Robert Courts
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 12907
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Anthony Mangnall raised concerns about rnli and independent lifeboats: covid-19 — [stewart hosie in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should support clear channels of communication with the RNLI to improve its rapid response capability. The Minister is asked to set up a fund for independent lifeboat stations to recoup PPE costs and consider reintroducing the rescue boat grant scheme.
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 faces a significant decline in annual income due to the impact of covid, with fundraising activities restricted. The RNLI expects a 20% drop in donations and a reduction in legacies by year-end. Additionally, independent lifeboat stations face challenges such as lack of recognition, organisational issues, lower funding levels from phasing out government grant schemes, and the impact of the pandemic.
Alan Brown
SNP
Cowdenbeath
Mr Brown highlighted the importance of RNLI and independent lifeboat stations, praising their volunteers for putting their lives at risk. He noted the significant fundraising shortfall caused by Covid-19 restrictions, mentioning a £45 million deficit for RNLI. Mr Brown also raised concerns about the additional costs associated with PPE due to the pandemic.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Mr Seely thanked the many lifeboat crews on his island, highlighting that the south-west of Isle of Wight was historically a centre for shipwrecks leading to the development of lifeboats from 1840s. He mentioned Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat and RNLI lifeboats in Cowes, Yarmouth, and Bembridge were busier than ever this summer due to increased tourism during the pandemic despite fundraising difficulties. Mr Seely called for support measures such as reintroducing the rescue boat grant fund or providing funding for protective equipment.
Caroline Ansell
Con
Eastbourne
The MP expressed dismay over criticism the RNLI received for rescuing individuals in distress during the summer period. She highlighted Eastbourne's oldest and busiest station and emphasised the need to recognise the RNLI as a hero organisation. Eastbourne's lifeboat station, established in 1822, has saved over 700 lives. The crew faces unique challenges and performs services like recovery at the foot of Beachy Head. The relationship between the RNLI and Salvation Army is historically significant and highlights local gratitude for their service. Despite public donations powering 94% of the service, the current pandemic posed challenges in maintaining covid-secure operations.
Douglas Ross
Con
Moray
Paid tribute to Adam Robertson, a long-serving RNLI volunteer in Buckie who passed away recently. Highlighted the importance of independent lifeboats and their role in coastal communities, including education and community work.
Duncan Baker
Con
Wycombe
Paid tribute to the RNLI and independent lifeboat stations in his constituency, highlighting challenges faced due to covid-19. Noted additional costs of PPE and disinfecting routines, as well as increased demand for services from staycation visitors. Raised concerns about skill fade and reduced fundraising opportunities.
Jacob Young
Con
Redcar
Mr Young thanked the Totnes MP for securing the debate and praised his local RNLI station in Redcar. He highlighted a significant drop in fundraising from £4,000 to £600 due to virtual events this year. Additionally, fundraising by the Redcar lifeboat ladies guild was hampered as many women were shielding during the pandemic. The annual cost of running his local lifeboat station is around £50,000. Mr Young also mentioned a national shortfall for RNLI between £20 million and £45 million this year.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Jonathan Edwards highlighted the importance of the independent lifeboat in Ferryside, which has served since 1835. He praised the dedication of the volunteer crew who offer a 24/7 service with an average launch time of only eight minutes despite challenging conditions. Due to the pandemic, the lifeboat raised £3,000 this year compared to over £110,000 in 2019.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Mike Kane highlighted the RNLI's importance, praising its voluntary crews for maintaining search and rescue services during the pandemic. He noted that personal equipment costs £2,500 per crew member and lifeboats range from £50,000 to up to £2.2 million. The RNLI operated with a budget of over £181 million last year, 94% of which came from donations, but income has been reduced due to the pandemic.
Paul Girvan
DUP
Lagan Valley
In Northern Ireland, independent lifeboat services like Lough Neagh Rescue and Foyle Search and Rescue are vital. The RNLI's Portaferry station also does a great job. Due to the pandemic, fundraising efforts were severely impacted, leading to financial difficulties for these organisations. Some independents have experienced even greater funding reductions compared to the 20% reduction seen by the RNLI. Girvan emphasised the risks taken by those who volunteer their lives to save others and urged for emergency services at sea to receive sustainable future funding.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
He raised awareness of the Hamble independent lifeboat station in his constituency, highlighting its importance and challenges during the pandemic. He mentioned that fundraising efforts were hampered, leading to a significant reduction in income for independent lifeboat stations compared to RNLI, with the local station facing a triple whammy from the Government's stopping of the inshore grant and lack of clarity about rescue boat grants.
She welcomed the debate and highlighted the bravery of lifeguards who saved two young boys in Hastings. She praised the RNLI and independent lifeboats for their ongoing efforts despite pandemic challenges, stressing that these institutions need easier access to support while maintaining independence from Whitehall decision-making.
Government Response
Robert Courts
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship today, Mr Hosie. I congratulate and thank my hon. Friend the Member for Totnes (Anthony Mangnall) on securing this debate. The RNLI has saved over 143,000 lives since its foundation in 1824. Independent lifeboats have been launched over 23,000 times during the covid-19 pandemic alone. Operational costs for search and rescue organisations have increased while fundraising opportunities have declined due to the pandemic. The Government provided £750 million of new funding in April this year along with guidance on safe service provision. Additional financial support was given through the rescue boat grant fund, providing nearly £6 million over six years for capital items and PPE. A further £4 million was made available for volunteer training. HM Coastguard has increased support to reduce the burden on charities such as air ambulances and introduced additional safety patrols. Formal agreements with RNLI and Surf Life Saving Great Britain ensure closer working relationships, improving mission planning and asset usage.
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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.