McLeod calls on new Transport Secretary to reverse Coastguard cuts
Dr Aileen McLeod
SNP MSP for the South of Scotland, Dr Aileen McLeod, has today (Wednesday) encouraged the newly appointed UK Government Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin MP to overturn the decision made by his department to axe Clyde and Liverpool Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs).
The Solway is currently covered by Clyde and Liverpool MRCCs, both of which are to close as a result of the Westminster Government’s restructuring of the Coastguard Service.
Dr McLeod said: “I would encourage the newly appointed Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin in the strongest terms to reverse the decision taken by his department to close the Clyde and Liverpool MRCCs.
“As campaigners continue to highlight, the rescue co-ordination centre in Greenock is one of the busiest throughout the country and deals with a large volume of water based traffic.
“Only recently the Clyde Branch of the PCS union submitted their evidence to the Transport Select Committee highlighting the need to retain the centre as the local knowledge of the workforce is vital to safety in the North Channel.
“And of course the Solway is to suffer a double hit with Liverpool MRCC, which covers the English side of the Solway and the Scottish side up to the Mull of Galloway, is also set to close.
“I hope Mr McLoughlin will find his feet quickly in the new role and reverse the disastrous decision to close Clyde and Liverpool MRCCs.
“Therefore, I will be writing to the Transport Secretary to raise my concerns and to ask for an urgent review of the restructuring plans.”
Ends.
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Weather for Newton Stewart
Sunday 26 May 2013
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