Anthony held a Westminster Hall debate on the future of the RNLI and Independent Lifeboats post Covid-19. Lifeboats play an integral role in our emergency service response, and we should be extremely grateful to those volunteers who put their own lives at risk to save those of others.
After being contacted by Hope Cove independent lifeboat during the summer, Anthony became aware of the challenges they were facing as a result of Covid-19 and promised to hold a Westminster Hall debate on the subject. The debate was well attended by MPs from across the house, providing the opportunity to ask the Government for recognition of the work of the RNLI and support for Independent Lifeboats.
Anthony's main requests of the government were:
- For the RNLI; to recognise the necessity to ensure clear channels of communication between them and the Government and to bring them into the fold with the four other paid emergency services.
- For Independent Lifeboats; to renew the Rescue Boat Grant and to cover the cost of PPE.
Anthony also encouraged MPs to help to create an Independent Lifeboat Association. This would initially enable the recording of data with scope to expand, providing a clearer picture of the work done by Independent Lifeboats.
Following the debate, Anthony said: "I was pleased to be able to hold this debate and keep my promise to the Hope Cove Lifeboat and I very much hope that this debate will result in future safeguards for these vital services."