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Search and rescue helicopter announcement delayed Coastguard stations set to be slashed
(about 1 hour later)
The government has postponed a planned announcement about the sell-off of the UK's search and rescue helicopters. The UK's 18 coastguard stations are to be reduced to eight, with only three operational around the clock, the government has announced.
A foreign consortium had been due to take over running them from the RAF. Cutting the number of control centres is intended to modernise the service and save money.
But the consortium "had become aware of a possible issue in connection with its bid" within the past 48 hours, said Transport Secretary Philip Hammond . Meanwhile, the government has postponed an announcement about the sell-off of the UK's search and rescue helicopters.
He said that "as soon as we are able" the government would set out its plans "to secure the provision of search and rescue helicopter capability". It said a "possible issue" had arisen with a foreign consortium's bid to take over running the fleet from the RAF.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said that the consortium had "become aware of a possible issue in connection with its bid" within the last 48 hours.
"In the circumstances it is not appropriate for us to proceed with the planned announcement until the status of this issue has been clarified," he said."In the circumstances it is not appropriate for us to proceed with the planned announcement until the status of this issue has been clarified," he said.
"We regret the further uncertainty that this entails for all those involved in providing the UK's search and rescue service." There would be a statement to the House of Commons "as soon as we are able to provide further information and to set out our plans for proceeding to secure the provision of search and rescue helicopter capability in the future".
"We regret the further uncertainty that this entails for all those involved in providing the UK's search and rescue service," Mr Hammond said.
The service is currently provided by the RAF and Royal Navy, plus civilian helicopters through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.The service is currently provided by the RAF and Royal Navy, plus civilian helicopters through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
A French-American consortium is the preferred bidder to take over running the operation.A French-American consortium is the preferred bidder to take over running the operation.
The contract is worth £6bn over 25 years and will see the number of military aircrew reduced from 240 to 66, with civilian aircrew making up the shortfall.The contract is worth £6bn over 25 years and will see the number of military aircrew reduced from 240 to 66, with civilian aircrew making up the shortfall.
The ageing Sea King helicopter fleet is expected to be replaced by American Sikorskys.The ageing Sea King helicopter fleet is expected to be replaced by American Sikorskys.
Prince William is currently based at the RAF's search and rescue headquarters at Valley on Anglesey.Prince William is currently based at the RAF's search and rescue headquarters at Valley on Anglesey.