Joe Robertson MP has welcomed the news that the Government has blocked plans by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to remove remuneration payments from Coastguard Rescue Officers.
Following intense campaigning by the MP for Isle of Wight East, the Maritime Minister, Keir Mather, confirmed in the House of Commons that the plans to move to an expenses-only volunteer model in September will not go ahead, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Following the case of MCA v Groom, brought by Bembridge resident and former Coastguard Martin Groom, the MCA planned to strip pay from CROs and move to a volunteer model. Mr Robertson branded it a mass ‘fire and re-hire’ and called on plans to be halted.
Mr Robertson has been leading a campaign on behalf of CROs across the country, with cross-party support from other MPs, hosting a Parliamentary event, speaking with Government Ministers and meeting with MCA Chief Executive, Virginia McVea. He secured a face to face meeting between Mr Groom and the Minister.
Mr Robertson said:
“It is very welcome news that the Minister has seen sense and blocked the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s brutal proposal against its own brave frontline workers.”
“The MCA’s announcement to strip pay from Coastguard Rescue Officers after more than 100 years and then misrepresent its own internal survey results was completely wrong and should never have happened.”
“I sincerely thank Martin for standing up to the MCA in the first place and it is thanks to him that we finally secured Government backing.”
Article continues below this advertisement “The Government now needs to look at the whole Coastguard Rescue Service model and consult fully and meaningfully with the more than 3,000 Coastguard Rescue Officers. Whatever decisions are finally taken, the Government must ensure that our hero CROs continue to be remunerated for the hours they put in helping to save lives and keep our coastal communities safe.”
The MP for Isle of Wight East has also called for Government to review the organisation and leadership of the MCA following the announcement.
