The motion voiced the concerns of nearly 20,000 people who have signed the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign’s petition opposing the RNLI’s plan to replace the Mersey-class all-weather lifeboat with a smaller Atlantic 85 in 2020.
Mr Lake’s motion was sponsored by a cross-party group of Welsh MPs, including Liz Saville Roberts, Jonathan Edwards, Hywel Williams, David Davies and Tonia Antoniazzi, and has received the support of MPs of all parties.
The motion stated: “That this House commends the staff and volunteers of the RNLI for their life-saving work around the coat and at sea; is disappointed by the decision to downgrade the all-weather lifeboat provision at New Quay; is concerned that this decision is contrary to the RNLI’s core objective and principles, and put commercial vessels, visitors, and the local RNLI crew at increased risk; re-affirms its respect for the RNLI and its indispensable work; and calls on its Trust Board Members and Senior Management Team to review decision that would deprive Ceredigion coastline of effective all-weather lifeboat provision.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Lake said: “As a supporter of the campaign to keep the all-weather lifeboat at New Quay, I am glad that other MPs from across the political spectrum - and indeed the UK - have not only recognised the incredible work of the RNLI, but also the importance of maintaining effective all-weather lifeboat provision for the entirety of Cardigan Bay.
“I hope that board members and senior management will now acknowledge the valid concerns raised by communities along the Ceredigion coast, and review their decision accordingly.”
See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now