Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, has today welcomed a strongly worded letter from the Commons Transport Select Committee (TSC) to Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, on the proposed closure of the Portland helicopter.
‘I am delighted that Louise Ellman, chairman of the committee, has written that the closure ‘may cost lives,’ says Drax.
‘We have been careful not to use emotive language in this campaign but the truth is, if we lose this helicopter, the longer times for alternate helicopters to reach incidents could indeed cost lives.’
‘I am particularly glad that the Committee has criticised the DfT’s complete lack of consultation.’
‘The greatest outrage over these plans was caused by the last Transport Secretary telling us that local consultation was unnecessary because the service was being ‘upgraded,’ says Drax.
‘Mrs Ellman’s letter is crystal clear; she says that ‘people rightly expect that the Government will listen to their views and concerns, taking them into account before major decisions are reached.’
‘This is such an important decision, with potentially grave and far reaching consequences and, as the letter says, it’s not too late to change the plans before the Government’s new, procurement deal is signed.’
‘Now I hope that the DfT will come down here and speak to those who work with, or owe their lives to, the Portland SAR service.’
‘Certainly, it would be a brave – or should I say foolhardy - Transport Secretary who ignored such a letter from such an influential committee.’
‘Any future fatalities that could be shown to be due to inadequate SAR cover would unleash a storm of recrimination and blame directed at the Government.’
‘And all for what? To save £5m a year, which is what three traffic fatalities would cost the DfT.’
Drax is, however, not reassured by the statement released by the DfT in response to the TSC letter.
‘In fact, their statement in response to Mrs Ellman’s letter suggests that they still believe they have no case to answer, says Drax.
‘They still say and, I quote, that ‘A modern, faster fleet of helicopters operating from 10 full-time bases will provide a more reliable overall service that still meets the key search and rescue requirements and does not increase the overall risk of loss of life.’
‘This is patently not the case and it is important that they review their analysis, which even their independent verifiers have questioned.’
Finally, Drax thanked all those who have kept the pressure up so far.
‘This is a team effort. It has brought together people of all political persuasions because we all want to keep our helicopter. Thank you to everyone involved – and let’s keep up the pressure.’
‘For now, I ask everyone to sign the Government online e-petition at
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/36619