Brussels launches plan to scupper UK Coastguard

[Slack lines]

Britain's coastguards would be replaced by a new pan- European fleet under 'harmonisation' plans which would see their life-saving work being taken over by an EU coastguard corps emblazoned with the Brussels logo.

 

The news comes just days after Transport Secretary Philip Hammond performed a partial U-turn on cutting the number of currently operating Coastguard centres from 19 to eight, with just three remaining open 24 hours a day.

 

After an outcry over the safety risks, he told the Commons last week that 11 centres will remain, all of which will be operational 24 hours a day.

 

Under the Brussels plan, which will be voted on by the European Parliament in October, an EU Coastguard will be created to 'effectively combat current or future dangers at sea such as terrorism, piracy and trafficking'.

 

If approved, it would then be put before EU member countries for ratification.

 

Trevor Coleman, MEP for the South West of England, who uncovered the proposals, said: 'A European Coastguard service would contribute, we were told, towards the single European state "we dream of" and that "member states need to contribute to these structures and relinquish some of their power."

 

'No one spoke of local knowledge or the use of volunteer Coastwatch personnel.'

Partial U-turn: A public outcry forced Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, to reverse Coastguard station cuts

 

Partial U-turn: An outcry forced Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, to reverse Coastguard station cuts

 

UKIP leader and South East England MEP Nigel Farage said: 'We've already had our fishing rights taken away from us. Wanting us to relinquish control of our own marine borders simply must be taken off the agenda at the earliest possible opportunity.

 

'We've already seen the EU embassies take hold, and seen the EU try to take over defence. And immigration has been a disaster for years because of European rules'.

 

A spokesman for the European Parliament said: 'Once it is approved by the Parliament as a whole, it will be forwarded to the Commission, Council and Member States. The Commission then may come up with legislative proposals or take measures based on the content of the report.'

 

Tory Shipping Minister Mike Penning said the proposals would be resisted by the UK Government.

 

He added: 'A European Coastguard is not a concept that the UK would support. Her Majesty's Coastguard has a long and proud history and has a worldwide reputation for excellence.

 

'Our first priority is to plan for its future in a way that makes it a more resilient and more efficient service for the UK.'

 

Announcing the U-turn on the Coastguard closures, Mr Hammond said the Government had been trying to distribute the workload of the Coastguard service more evenly across the UK, while at the same time cutting costs as part of the drive to reduce the budget deficit.

 

Campaigners argued that safety would be threatened and the skills of experienced Coastguards lost if local centres were closed.

 

David Cameron admitted in January that Prince William had personally lobbied him against the proposed cuts to the service.

dailymail.co.uk

[captain cojones]

You must get over the idea that British newspapers are of any use for supplying accurate news.

 

If you are interested in who "Jordan" is dating or what colour handbag "Posh beckham" has bought then they are useful.

Otherwise..........They are just a joke.

 

http://www.neurope.eu/articles/Too-much-sm...Guard/92188.php

 

The link above gives more factual information on what is a proposal by ONE Irish MP, who is worried about his countries ability to combat drug smuggling.

[Slack lines]

You must get over the idea that British newspapers are of any use for supplying accurate news.

 

If you are interested in who "Jordan" is dating or what colour handbag "Posh beckham" has bought then they are useful.

Otherwise..........They are just a joke.

 

http://www.neurope.eu/articles/Too-much-sm...Guard/92188.php

 

The link above gives more factual information on what is a proposal by ONE Irish MP, who is worried about his countries ability to combat drug smuggling.

Sorry Dave, I know it mainly is a comic or speculation rag, but "sometimes" it gets things right, perhaps this wasn't one of those times?

[captain cojones]

My comments were made tongue in cheek. Hope i didnt put it in a way that was offensive in any way.

 

Its rare that they "get it right", and anything regarding the workings of any EU matter, is just not worth the time to glance at.