Monday 4 April 2011

The Prime Minister is listening closely to concerns over changes to the Coastguard

David Cameron has promised the Government will “reconsider” plans to shut coastguard stations if the move jeopardises safety at sea.

Mike Penning, the Shipping Minister, has said he is “convinced” the plan, which involves reducing the number of coastguard stations in the UK from 19 to 10, will change.

At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, I asked: “Does the Prime Minister agree with me it’s very important to get the plans right?”

Mr Cameron replied: “Obviously, we want to make changes only if they improve the level of coastguard support that people in fishing communities and elsewhere get.

“That is what the reform is about, trying to make sure the real impetus is on the frontline, and if that isn’t the case then obviously we will have to reconsider those reforms.

“That’s why they are being reviewed, and I would say to everyone who cares about this issue – work with us and make sure we get the maximum amount in those lifeboats and other ways of helping our fishing and other communities.”

Following my request to the Transport Select Committee, a powerful group of MPs, to undertake an investigation into coastguard modernisation and other MCA proposals that will impact on sea safety, I am pleased to report that they have started work.  I have requested that as part of their inquiry they visit Falmouth and take evidence from Falmouth Harbour Commissioners as well as Falmouth Coastguards.  The Shipping Minister has said that he will not press ahead with modernisation until this work is complete.

On Monday, I met with senior staff from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to make sure their concerns about the modernisation of the Coastguard service are fully taken into account and have asked the Select Committee to take evidence from them.

In my regular advice surgeries, I meet with constituents who want to work, but are trapped on benefits, abandoned and without help.  I also meet people who need help but do not get it as the current assessment for welfare payments is not only extremely complex but dreadfully unfair.  The failings of this system too often stigmatise people who need help as ‘scroungers’.

I am pleased to be part of the Department for Work and Pensions team in Parliament seeking to tackle these issues.  I am currently serving on the Welfare Reform Bill Committee.  This involves considerable time taking evidence, scrutinising and amending the legislation.  We study every aspect of the Bill, literally line by line. I believe that helping those who can into work, with the opportunity to improve their lives that comes with employment, while at the same time making sure there is a strong safety net of support for those who can’t, is a vitally important role for government and society.

On Friday the DWP published details of the Work Programme and who will be providing the service in Cornwall.  It is the largest ‘welfare-to-work programme’ undertaken in this country.  I will be meeting with the providers soon and will monitoring closely this vital investment in helping people into work.

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