MPs join call for Government Statement on Coastguard Dispute

12.23.48pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 17th Mar 2008

North East MPs Malcolm Bruce & Robert Smith have called on the Government to make a statement on the ongoing Coastguard dispute.

North East MPs Sir Robert Smith and Malcolm Bruce have co-sponsored a parliamentary motion criticising the lack public comment by the Government over ongoing industrial strike action within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The motion, tabled by Liberal Democrat colleague Alistair Carmichael MP, praises the work of the MCA and expresses concern over the continuing stand-off. Although Sir Robert Smith and Malcolm Bruce received a reply from Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister for Shipping and Ports in which he said he was sorry no further progress in the dispute had been made, there has been no public statement or press release on the situation by the Government.

Commenting, Sir Robert said:

"The Maritime and Coastguard Agency perform a vital role in coastal communities like West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine. I am disappointed that the Government do not consider the situation serious enough to merit a statement to Parliament which would clarify how talks are progressing."

Malcolm Bruce added:

"It is absolutely clear that the MCA workers are not receiving the same treatment as the other emergency services. Given the essential service that the coastguard provides it is a disgrace that they have been pushed into a situation which has lead to the first ever strike by coastguards. It is not good enough- they deserve a clear answer from the Secretary of State for Transport. "

ENDS