Beith welcomes reprieve for RAF Boulmer cuts
A government U-turn on cuts to search and rescue cover in the North East has been welcomed by Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith.
The Liberal Democrat raised the issue in the Commons yesterday after staff levels at RAF Boulmer, in Northumberland, fell so low earlier this year that aircrew were ordered only to provide cover during daylight hours.
Responsibility for night rescue duties in the region was divided between crews from RAF Leconfield in East Yorkshire and Prestwick in Ayrshire.
Defence Minister Bill Rammell said yesterday that the Government was committed to around the clock coverage across the UK and planned crew cuts would be reversed by early next year.
In the meantime there was planned rotating and temporary cover, he added.
However, Sir Alan said: "I am very pleased indeed that the minister is reversing the mistaken decision to cut the number of crews providing search and rescue cover across the UK, which has been affecting cover provided by RAF Boulmer."
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