Chairman of the North Down Conservatives, Paul Leeman, has welcomed the news that Conservative shipping minister Mike Penning has saved the Belfast Coastguard, which operates out of Bangor coastguard centre.
“I’m a fisherman myself and I’m acutely aware of the vital role the Belfast coastguard plays in keeping our seas safe. This is a perfect example of a Conservative minister taking our special circumstances into account, listening to local people and delivering for Northern Ireland. Unlike its predecessor, for this government a public consultation means just that.”
“ Across departments Conservatives are showing flexibility and responding to the needs of this part of the UK. The Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, has driven plans to grow our economy, with the support of the Chancellor, George Osborne. And just last week the Conservative chaired Northern Ireland Affairs Committee recommended that Air Passenger Duty should be abolished here”.
“Now Mike Penning has looked at the facts around Bangor coastguard station, which is the only such facility in Northern Ireland, and ensured that it remains fully operational, 24 hours a day. That’s great news and it demonstrates, yet again, a government which is responsive to Northern Ireland’s problems and determined to deliver the best solutions for people here”.