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UK Government decision to close Clyde and Forth centres condemned.
Scotland has been sold short by the UK Government’s announcement to cut vital lifesaving coastguard services, Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said today.
Lives could be put in danger by the closure of Clyde and Forth coastguard coordination centres, downsizing of the Aberdeen station and the consequent loss of vital local knowledge, he said.
Responding to the decision taken by the UK Government’s review of Marine Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs), Mr Lochhead said: "While I’m pleased that the decision to retain Shetland and Stornoway stations has been finalised, I am deeply concerned by confirmation of the decision to close Clyde and Forth MRCCs, given the importance of our maritime industry. These decisions taken by number crunchers in London pose an unacceptable risk to both lives and our precious marine environment.
“With these being the first UK stations to close, it’s unacceptable that Scotland will be the guinea pig for UK Government plans that put saving money ahead of saving lives. These stations cover large and complex areas of our beautiful, but sometimes dangerous, coastline and I remain unconvinced that a reduced number of stations will be able to provide the appropriate level of cover.
“This concern is exacerbated by plans to reduce staffing for some stations, including Aberdeen where we are extremely worried about the impact this could have on the ability to respond to a major oil and gas incident in the North Sea. More than 30 years of expertise in dealing with offshore incidents cannot be replicated elsewhere in the UK, so it is crucial this centre remains fully staffed at least at current levels and the central point for any response to a north sea incident.
“As we have indicated throughout this consultation process, with some 60 per cent of UK seas, it makes no sense that Scotland is left with just a third of the MRCCs. "
UK Government plans for the Coastguard Service will see the Scotland's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres cut from five to three. The changes will be introduced over a four year period, starting from 2012/13. Scottish Ministers were not consulted prior to the original proposals being published.
Under the UK Government proposals announced yesterday, Clyde and Forth MRCC’s will close and Aberdeen MRCC will operate with a reduced number of staff.
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