To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether consultation took place with Ministers before the Maritime and Coastguard Agency decided to remove remuneration for Coastguard Rescue Officers.

Since the Court of Appeal judgment in January this year, which meant that the current model could not legally continue, careful consideration has been given to the legal and operational implications.

After careful review and consideration of the options available to comply with the judgment, I accepted the MCA’s recommendation that they should move the Coastguard Rescue Service to a revised volunteer model with expenses paid, but not hourly remuneration.

Volunteers will continue to receive training, equipment and operational support as well as uniforms and personal protective equipment. This revised volunteer model protects choice, flexibility and the ability for people to serve alongside their primary employment.

This decision does not reflect any reduction in the high value that we place on Coastguard Rescue Officers or the important service they provide.