Last week, in my Westminster Hall Debate on Support for Independent Lifeboats I urged the Government to reinstate the Rescue Boat Grant Fund.
Under the last Government, the grant donated £5.7 million to over 100 charities, including Hamble Lifeboat, helping support the upgrading of crew equipment, vessels and communication mechanisms.
This isn’t a political point, I don’t shy away from this fund being discontinued under the last Government, a decision which I deeply regret, but I believe strong cross-party support and some level of Government funding towards independent lifeboats will ensure quicker and safer operations and symbolise the recognition they so truly deserve.
