Cuts Cost Lives! (UK) Coastguard stations to be axed!

[Drumming Monkey]

The Con-Dem government here in the UK plans to shut down 10 of the total 19 Coastguard rescue stations around the country. Also, over 200 (out of a total little more than 500) rescue jobs are to be axed.

I Can't link to the news story because my revleft post count is under 25, just search "Coastguard Cuts" on google.co.uk news.

On top of the cuts to social services, attacks on fire-fighters, care workers and the NHS, these cuts are the most visible example yet that these cuts will literally cost lives.

The government has actually said these cuts will 'modernise' the rescue service. What they mean is, they want to privatise it.

[IndependentCitizen]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11988087

Plans to reduce the number of coastguard stations around the UK from 19 to eight are expected to be confirmed by ministers later.

The government says cutting the number of control centres will modernise the service and save money.

The Department of Transport has agreed to cut spending by 15% over the next four years.

It is understood an announcement on replacing the UK's ageing search and rescue helicopters has been delayed.

The multi-billion pound cost of replacing the helicopters is set to be passed to a foreign consortium.

At present, the UK's 19 coastguard control centres co-ordinate and manage maritime rescue efforts throughout UK waters.

Aircrew numbers
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that Transport Secretary Philip Hammond would set out details about the future of the service.

The previous Labour government proposed that private companies should take over the running of search and rescue helicopters from the RAF and that the Sea King fleet, in which Prince William has been learning to fly, should be scrapped.

Those plans were shelved by the coalition but they have been revived following a joint submission by transport and defence ministers.

The prince is based at the RAF's search and rescue headquarters at Valley on Anglesey.

The service is currently provided by the RAF and Royal Navy, plus civilian helicopters through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The contract is worth £6bn over 25 years and will see the number of military aircrew reduced from 240 to 66, with civilian aircrew making up the shortfall.


This is absolutely fucking disgusting - not only have they attacked the firefighters, but also the coastguard.

We must charge this cabinet with pre-meditated murder.

[Drumming Monkey]

Yup. The source I tried to link to was the 'Daily Echo' It appears to be the latest news story on this subject. Much the same as that BBC one but updated. As I cannot link at the moment:


THE Maritime and Coastguard Agency is facing savage £80m cuts and the loss of hundreds of jobs, it has been revealed.

The drastic measures, ordered by the government as part of its austerity measures, will hit hard at the MCA's headquarters in Commercial Road, Southampton.

Trade unions have been quick to attack the proposals, while fears have been expressed that UK waters will become significantly more dangerous with the loss of 228 coastguards.

Meanwhile ten of the present 19 coastguard stations across the country will be shut down.

Maybe next time a Tory is in danger off shore on his multi million pound yacht, the Coastguard workers will take the decision to not send the rescue chopper out, you know, cos it'll cut costs and help modernise the service and all that.

[Comrade Wolfie's Very Nearly Banned Adventures]

I belive most of the jobs lost are to be picked up by private contractors. Worrying.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Good news for compass sellers.;)