On 18 April, Ben Lake MP made his Prime Minister’s Questions debut raising the important issue of the future of Cardigan Bay’s lifeboat provision.
During his contribution, Mr Lake commended the valiant efforts of RNLI staff and volunteers at New Quay lifeboat station who have been safeguarding those who venture out into the bay, be it for work or pleasure, for 150 years. He also expressed concern at the possibility that there will no longer be an all-weather lifeboat in Ceredigion from 2020.
Mr Lake asked the Prime Minister whether she would agree “that the invaluable work of the RNLI serves as a fourth emergency service, and that as such it is essential the coastline of Ceredgion, like every other populated coastline, has access to this service whatever the weather?”
The Prime Minister responded:
“Search and rescue at sea is provided by several organisations, including the coastguard and the RNLI. The RNLI has a proud tradition, and we should be grateful for its record on search and rescue at sea. It is obviously independent and decides where best to put its resources, but we are supporting the work of independent lifeboat charities through our Rescue Boat Grant Fund, which has allocated more than £3.5 million since 2014 to increase capacity and resilience by providing new boats and equipment.”
Ben Lake said:
“I was glad of the opportunity to raise an issue that is of great concern to communities across Ceredigion with the Prime Minister. I look forward to working with the RNLI and campaign representatives in search of a long-term soution, and in particular seek to ascertain whether the Rescue Boat Grant Fund could be of benefit to ensuring the retention of an all-weather lifeboat at New Quay.”