New call to halt cuts to Coastguard

The UK government is facing renewed calls to abandon a plan to reduce the number of Coastguard stations.

Critics say the proposals could risk lives and campaigners have secured thousands of signatures opposing such a move.

SNP MSP Alasdair Allan, who secured a debate on the issue at Holyrood, said: "Our vast coastline and all those who work and travel in our seas must be properly protected. Plans to cut the number of Coastguard stations, removing local knowledge and risking coastal safety, are completely unacceptable."

He called for control to be passed to the Scottish Government.

Meanwhile, a Save Shetland Coastguard campaign has secured more than 5,000 signatures. Mike Smith, of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said: "The support we're getting is very much appreciated."

The coalition is consulting on proposals to cut the number of UK Coastguard control centres from 18 to eight, saying it will modernise the service and save money. There would be only two 24-hour centres, one in Aberdeen.

Sir Alan Massey, chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, has said the plans are needed to bring the service "into the 21st century".