Transport Minister (): I am making this statement
to provide an update on the Coastguard Rescue Service. I would
like to begin by recognising the extraordinary contribution made
by Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) across the United Kingdom.
For generations, HM Coastguard's coastal response has depended on
people from local communities who choose to serve with
professionalism, commitment and courage. That tradition remains
at the heart of the Coastguard Rescue Service today.
On 14 January 2026, the Court of Appeal found against the
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the case of the MCA vs
Groom. This clarified that by providing modest remuneration, the
MCA had inadvertently created a worker relationship with
Coastguard Rescue Officers. A change was therefore required to
restore the volunteer model, or enact the worker model, to ensure
compliance with the judgment.
On 1 June, it was communicated that the Coastguard Rescue Service
would change to an expenses-only volunteer model from September
2026. This was judged at the time to be the best option, based on
the advice provided by the MCA, taking into account a variety of
factors.
I have listened to the views and testimonies of Coastguard Rescue
Officers about how these changes might affect them. I visited a
Coastguard station in Southampton, met officers from Hill Head
and Portsmouth teams, and heard first-hand the impact that
changes could have on CROs and their families.
MPs across the House, on behalf of their constituents, have
raised concerns through parliamentary questions, a Westminster
Hall Debate and an Urgent Question. This engagement has been
invaluable. I have also heard the deep concerns from many in the
Coastguard Rescue Officer Community about this change.
Given these concerns, my department has undertaken further work
to scrutinise the information that was provided to inform
decision making. Having done so, it has become clear that parts
of the information gathering process to inform MCA operational
decisions, in particular, the two surveys undertaken, were not
sufficiently detailed to properly reflect the impact of these
changes.
I can therefore confirm that plans to move to the expenses-only
volunteer model in September will not go ahead, and current
arrangements will remain in place.
CROs must feel that their views have been heard, and that they
are valued, respected, and empowered to carry out their duties
and I am committed to ensuring that we now take the time to
robustly gather the information required to understand the full
operational implications of future decisions, as well as the
impact on individual Coastguard Rescue Officers and the choices
they will make. This will involve engaging with CROs directly,
and ensuring that their views inform the decisions that we will
take on the shape of the Coastguard Rescue Service.
Over the coming months, the MCA will carry out further engagement
with trade unions, Coastguard Rescue Officers, and members of
Parliament, to understand more deeply the potential impact of
changes on individuals and operations. The insight gathered from
this engagement will support the MCA's understanding of
operational implications, and inform future decisions on the
shape of the Coastguard Rescue Service.
In the longer term, the Department for Transport will explore
options for how Coastguard Rescue Officers can continue to be
rightfully recognised and rewarded and have the flexibility to
continue to serve their communities.
Ensuring the safety of the public along our coastline and
continuing to properly recognise those who protect our
communities through their vital work remain my key priorities.
