All at sea

AS soon as the Government published its proposals to close all but nine coastguard stations and leave just three open for 24 hours a day it became clear there was widespread opposition. This has not just been a party political debate – coalition MPs, members of the public and coastguards have been among those warning of dangers.

So it is right that the Government is willing to go back to the drawing board, listen to the points being made and revise its proposals. With 11 centres remaining open and operating around the clock, swimmers and sailors can venture out knowing someone is there to help them if they get into trouble.

The coastguard is a service which saves lives but, while there will always be emotions aroused by the prospect of change, the reality is that improvements in technology make more efficient working possible.

Of course there will still be disappointment – even anger – from those areas where coastguard stations will close, and any loss of jobs is very sad . But it is clear that Ministers have not just tinkered around the edges, they have been willing to come back with significantly different plans which address some of the concerns that were raised, notably over the loss of local knowledge.

At least Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, has shown a desire to consult. Too often it seems the Government has already made up its mind before asking the public for their views and any consultation that takes place is simply a sham, so it is refreshing to see real and sensible changes being made. But there are lessons from this that the Government must learn too – not least why Ministers were so out of tune with popular opinion in the first place? Most importantly, they must now convince the public they have got it right second time around and that safety will not be put at risk.