McMillan to Speak in Coastguard Centre Cuts Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) will speak in a Scottish Parliamentary Members' debate on Thursday 27th January in relation to proposed cuts by the Tory/Lib Dem coalition Government to coastguard centres throughout the UK including Clyde Coastguard base in Greenock.

The debate, to be led by SNP MSP for the Western Isles Alasdair Allan, calls on the UK Tory Government to abandon the plans to cut the number of Coastguard stations.

The cuts have sparked calls for coastguard services to be devolved so Scottish waters and coastal industries can be properly protected.

Mr McMillan said;

"The Clyde is an extremely busy waterway with commercial, military and recreational activity. Scrapping the Clyde Coastguard station and passing responsibility to a station on the other side of the country is a ridiculous proposal.

"I recently met with staff from the Clyde coastguard station and also spoke to representatives of the PCS Union to make them aware of my concerns and to also listen to their concerns.

"We need local knowledge and local coastguard services. It is increasingly clear that as well as local services we need local control, with devolution of the coastguards as well as full responsibility for our coastal waters."