Independent lifeboats are profound organisations, with their foundations rooted in community goodwill and altruism. They are the unsung heroes of Britain’s coastline.
I’d like to commend Hamble Lifeboat which provides a vital service safeguarding our community. Operating in some of the most challenging marine conditions, Hamble lifeboat has been the cornerstone of rescue operations, saving lives since 1968. I proud to stand up as their voice in Parliament.
Around the UK there are around 80 independent lifeboats, many of them part of the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA). NILA is a fantastic organisation, providing a collective voice for independent lifeboats. NILA has done some extraordinary work to help raise the profile of independent lifeboats, however there is still further to go.
This week I asked the Minister to make NILA a permanent member of the UK Search and Rescue Operators Group, allowing a voice for independent boats when it comes to national planning and shaping policy.
