Has government banned MCA from speaking to MP Richard Drax about Portland helicopter? (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Has government banned MCA from speaking to MP Richard Drax about Portland helicopter?
6:00pm Monday 18th February 2013 in News
A NEW row has erupted over the threatened Portland Coastguard helicopter with an MP claiming he has been barred from speaking to coastguard staff.
South Dorset MP Richard Drax has written to Transport Secretary Stephen Hammond asking him to confirm whether he has asked officials within the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) not to speak to him.
It follows a meeting Mr Drax tried to set up with MCA chief executive Sir Alan Massey.
Portland will lose its helicopter in 2017 as part of government plans and the area will be covered by aircraft from Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire.
Mr Drax writes in his letter: “I find it quite extraordinary that an MP should be prevented from speaking to anyone on behalf of his constituents.
“I would ask you to withdraw this order and allow me to talk to a vital link in the chain, before a disastrous decision is made.”
Mr Drax has also refuted points made in a letter to him from Mr Hammond over helicopter flying times.
Comments(5)
Houdini
says...
11:37pm Mon 18 Feb 13
As with the NHS gagging order controversy, the government have stated that 'WHERE THE LIVES OF PATIENTS ARE AT STAKE, IT IS THE DUTY OF ANYONE INVOLVED WITH THE SERVICE TO BRING TO LIGHT THEIR CONCERNS OVER SHORTFALLS IN THE SERVICE'. Setting aside that statement seems to lack any truth, it also applies to (HM) Coastguard services, (PLC).
EGHH
says...
6:15am Tue 19 Feb 13
skydriver
says...
8:13am Tue 19 Feb 13
I stake money on the fact the police would be there within minutes.............
........what has this country come to. Ps what would happen if he did speak to the staff in real terms.as an MP I thought he had the right to speak to ever he liked.
The Seasider
says...
11:22am Tue 19 Feb 13
Think about it. Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere, with thousands of boats in marina's and dry dock. This bit of Dorset coast is an exceptionally busy 'boaty' area from Weymouth/ Portland, Christchurch Harbour, Isle of Wight vessels all over the place in summer- and inevitably some are going to run in to difficulties. How can scrapping the only life saving helicopter even be a consideration?!? And to suggest covering.. the whole area from Lee-On-Solent.. just absurd!
What sort of risk assessment has been done? Is it not obvious that loss of life is a virtual guarantee as a result of this decision. We already really heavily on the goodwill and bravery of volunteers to crew lifeboat for the RNLI to save lives... why cut the pittance of a budget given to the Coastguard to save lives at sea?
Other MPS should join Mr Drax in making some noise about this in the Commons and their own constituencies. Shame the relevant minister in to a U-turn... its not to late you know!
aerolover says...
6:47pm Mon 18 Feb 13
An MP should be allowed to speak to anyone they choose if it a fact finding meeting.
We need a big change but what is the alternative the others are a lot of scum bags as well. Just feather your own nest and sod everyone else, we aren't all in it together. Only the plebs.