Coastguards in fear, warns MP

A SENIOR MP has warned government "intimidation" may prevent Coastguards from speaking out about their concerns over proposed cuts in the service.

Louise Ellman, the chairman of the Commons transport select committee, warned of an "atmosphere of fear" among Coastguards. She wrote to transport minister Mike Penning to seek assurances for members of the service who give evidence to the inquiry her committee is conducting into the cutbacks.

Ms Ellman has already voiced her "serious concern" over an instruction to serving Coastguards not to give evidence when the committee visits Falmouth and Stornoway this week.

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