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Independent Lifeboats: Government Support
29 October 2025
Lead MP
Paul Holmes
Hamble Valley
Con
Responding Minister
Lilian Greenwood
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 12614
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Paul Holmes raised concerns about independent lifeboats: government support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the Minister to discuss how NILA can achieve a permanent position on the UK Search and Rescue Operators Group and commits to write to the Minister for clarification if she cannot answer during the debate. The grant that provided funding to independent lifeboats was discontinued in 2020, leaving many dependent on community support which is often insufficient.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
There are approximately 80 independent lifeboats around the UK that lack recognition and resources compared to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Fundraising efforts have been particularly challenging during the pandemic, with volunteers working tirelessly under voluntary funding. The crews of these independent lifeboats face difficulties in securing funding, recruitment, and inclusion in search and rescue provisions.
Alan Mak
Con
Havant
The hon. Friend praised the Hayling Island RNLI lifeboat and the coastguard rescue team in his constituency, highlighting their essential work in saving lives at sea. He also questioned why independent lifeboats should receive similar funding and support. Highlighted the Hayling Island lifeboat station.
Alison Griffiths
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
The RNLI in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton has responded to more than 50 calls this year, rescuing swimmers, waders, yachts, fishing vessels, and even pets. The independent lifeboat stations often lack the same public recognition as the RNLI despite their vital work. Spoke about the lifeboat service in her constituency.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Pays tribute to the Runswick bay rescue boat, highlighting recent rescues including a mother and son from a paddleboard and two walkers and their dog. Argues that the Government should play a role in securing its financial sustainability. Mentioned the Runswick Bay boat.
Anna Gelderd
Lab
South East Cornwall
Cornwall's lifeboats are integral to community identity and heritage, with over 300 miles of coastline requiring constant safety. RNLI crews deserve practical support. Discussed RNLI in her area and mentioned Poole as headquarters.
Gosport
Talked about the Gosport and Fareham inshore rescue service.
South Devon
Hope Cove lifeboat station in South Devon is considering purchasing a new rescue boat for over £220,000. She supports reintroducing the rescue boat grant fund to assist independent lifeboats with capital expenditure.
Gosport
Pays tribute to the volunteer work of Gosport lifeboat station in Lee-on-Solent, one of the busiest stations in the country. Notes the trend of fewer people volunteering and challenges in raising capital for assets and fuel costs.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Pays tribute to the lifeboat services around Llanelli, highlighting the treacherous waters and local activities. Notes that spectacular scenery hides dangerous conditions with strong currents and shifting sands.
Edward Morello
Con
West Dorset
Pays tribute to volunteers in Lyme Regis who have responded to 27 call-outs already this year. Emphasises the importance of supporting both independent lifeboats and their brave volunteers. Drew attention to Lyme Regis's independent rescue boat.
Helena Dollimore
Lab/Co-op
Hastings and Rye
The hon. Member paid tribute to the Pett Level independent rescue boat in her constituency, which does amazing work saving lives at sea all year round with public donations. Referenced the Pett Level independent rescue boat.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Acknowledged his long-standing involvement with the RNLI and declared an interest as a former offshore member of the RNLI, stating that he has been on boats in every constituency mentioned during the debate. Spoke about the Caister lifeboat.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member for Strangford commended the debate, highlighting his coastal constituency's reliance on lifeboats and well-trained lifeguards. He mentioned Portaferry’s RNLI lifeboat station funded by viewers of 'Blue Peter'. Highlighted independent lifeboats on Strangford lough, Lough Neagh and the Lagan.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
The hon. Member for Reading Central raised safety concerns in rivers, highlighting that his constituency includes densely populated areas with major rivers and tributaries. He discussed the lack of provision and suggested empowering local businesses and sports clubs to help rescue people who might get into difficulty. Discussed issues in his constituency and potential for a rescue service on the River Thames.
Poole
Poole has a unique relationship with the sea, hosting the RNLI's headquarters and celebrating its lifeboat station's 160th anniversary this year. The local community is deeply involved in supporting these services.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Discussed Ferryside and Loughor boats.
Steff Aquarone
Con
North Norfolk
Independent lifeboat services in North Norfolk have a long history dating back to the early 1800s, supported by local communities. They are vital emergency response assets but face challenges with funding. Joined in celebrating local celebrations and mentioned that Caister lifeboat, which is part of the constituency he shares with Paul Holmes, has a rich history dating back to 1791. Talked about the lifeboats at Sea Palling and Mundesley. Highlighted issues around potential vehicle excise duty exemptions for independent lifeboats.
Government Response
Lilian Greenwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Congratulated and thanked the hon. Member for Hamble Valley for bringing this debate to the House, highlighting the importance of dedicated lifeboat services in rescuing persons in distress or difficulty around our coast. Acknowledged the importance of volunteer rescue services and their contribution to maritime search and rescue. Emphasised HM Coastguard's support for NILA as it moves towards full membership, including discussions on potential vehicle excise duty exemptions. Noted that while there are no plans to reintroduce the rescue boat grant fund, new grants are regularly made available through a single online portal.
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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.