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MP hits out at absence of emergency coastguard tug 10/10/11
MP Angus
Macneil has hit out at the lack of a coastguard tug to protect the west coast coastline,
seven days after the UK Government promised to restore the emergency vessels.
Scotland Office Minister Michael Moore announced £3m of funding for a new vessel last week in Stornoway. However Scottish waters still remain without any designated emergency cover.
The UK Government is planning to remove funding for the tugs entirely but has failed to find a commercial operator to take on the service.
Angus MacNeil MP said: “This has been nothing short of shambolic from the UK Government.
The last minute reprieve last week offered some reassurance however it appears nothing
more than a meaningless press release from the Tory-
“Leaving Scottish waters without any emergency cover has needlessly added to the dangers faced by those who use Scotland’s seas for business, travel and recreation.
“The initial decision to cut the two tugs was shocking in itself. The Tory and Lib Dem Government is simply trying to save money, when it should be about saving lives.
“The UK Government must answer a simple question. Is there a Tug in service that could help a vessel in distress on the west coast today and if not when will it be there?
“Tugs are an invaluable commodity that have proven their ability in improving maritime safety.
“This situation is getting more and more farcical with each day that goes by. The UK Government needs to get serious about Maritime Safety now and ensure that Scotland is once again with emergency cover.
“The UK Government have dodged the question time and time again; when will Scottish
waters have the emergency tug cover that we need?”