The UK Government revealed on 14 July that its proposed cuts to HM Coastguard had been scaled back. It is now intended to close 8 centres rather than 10, to have the remaining 10 centres (Solent, Dover, Aberdeen, Shetland, Stornoway, Belfast, Holyhead, Milford Haven, Falmouth and Humber) operating 24 hours a day, and to leave the small London station unchanged.

During the consultation period, the RNLI asked how Falmouth Coastguard’s international role as the UK’s Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Centre would be affected if the centre’s operating hours were reduced. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has now agreed that Falmouth should maintain 24-hour coverage.

Our stations in Wales asked how the Coastguard would work with communities with officially recognised minority languages, such as Welsh and Gaelic. The retention of centres at Holyhead and Stornoway should address these concerns.

While we welcome many of July’s proposals, there are still some points to be addressed, and the RNLI will be making an official response. A new period of consultation ends on 6 October.