Lib Dem MPs on both sides of border raise concerns about future Search and Rescue cover

1.30.00pm GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick upon Tweed, and Michael Moore, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, have voiced their concerns over proposals to reduce search and rescue cover provided by RAF Boulmer to day time only, once the Government's SAR harmonisation plan comes into effect in 2012.

The Department of Transport announced yesterday that the preferred bidder for the contract is the Soteria Consortium which will provide new Sikorsky S92 helicopters for Search and Rescue throughout the UK, with a phased introduction beginning in 2010. Under the proposals cover provided by RAF Boulmer would be cut from 24 hours to 12 hour day time cover, on the basis that night time cover will be provided from elsewhere in the UK. Although the new helicopters will be faster than the Sea Kings, this could still increase the amount of time taken to reach casualties. And if the base providing night cover for the north east and borders is already working elsewhere there could be a gap in cover.

Speaking after the announcement, Sir Alan said

"The Search and Rescue service has a very real need for new helicopters to replace the 40 year old Sea Kings, and I welcome this investment in the service. But I am not convinced by the Minister's response that an adequate 24 hour service can be provided with Boulmer's Search and Rescue on a daytime only basis and I will keep pushing for an amendment to the contract to give round the clock cover for the north east and Cumbria from our local base.

"What concerns me most is that response times will not be fast enough in some cases and it will be hard to assemble significant numbers of rescue helicopters for large scale emergencies."

Michael Moore MP added

"As with all emergency service reform, the price of these changes will be measured in lives, not pounds. As such, the fact that the total number of dedicated rescue helicopters in the UK may be cut by over 1/3 under the new arrangements is a significant concern.

'It is essential that the planned shift does not compromise the quality of search and rescue services available to people in the Borders.'

Northumberland County Council has also been looking at thee impact changes would have on the county. Leader of the Council Jeff Reid said:

"I am very glad that Sir Alan Beith is continuing to campaign to make sure our area does not end up with a less effective Search and Rescue service. The difference in flying time from bases further away could be the difference between life and death if someone is in the sea at night."