Joe Robertson Welcomes Government U-Turn Over Coastguard Rescue Officer Payments

The Government has confirmed that plans to remove remuneration payments for Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) will not go ahead.

Maritime Minister Keir Mather announced in the House of Commons that proposals by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to move to an expenses-only volunteer model from September have been abandoned.

The decision follows campaigning by Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson, who worked with MPs from across the political spectrum to oppose the plans.

The proposed changes followed the employment tribunal case of MCA v Groom, brought by former Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Officer Martin Groom.

The MCA had intended to replace the existing remuneration system with an expenses-only model, a move Mr Robertson previously described as a form of "fire and re-hire".

During the campaign, the MP organised a parliamentary event, met with MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea, held discussions with Government ministers and arranged a face-to-face meeting between Mr Groom and the Maritime Minister.

Welcoming the Government's decision, Mr Robertson said:

"It is very welcome news that the Minister has seen sense and blocked the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's brutal proposal against its own brave frontline workers.

"The MCA's announcement to strip pay from Coastguard Rescue Officers after more than 100 years and then misrepresent its own internal survey results was completely wrong and should never have happened.

"I sincerely thank Martin for standing up to the MCA in the first place and it is thanks to him that we finally secured Government backing.

"The Government now needs to look at the whole Coastguard Rescue Service model and consult fully and meaningfully with the more than 3,000 Coastguard Rescue Officers.

"Whatever decisions are finally taken, the Government must ensure that our hero CROs continue to be remunerated for the hours they put in helping to save lives and keep our coastal communities safe."

Following the announcement, Mr Robertson has also called on the Government to carry out a wider review of the organisation and leadership of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.