MP Reflects on Coastguard Visit  

“Shipping Minister Mike Penning seemed to be in good form when he arrived along with the N.I. Secretary of State at Bregenz House last Wednesday afternoon, and he certainly left in even better form.   Not only had the discussions with the Bangor Coastguard staff been friendly and open, but Centre Manager Richard Newell and his colleagues had also managed to play a blinder, so to speak, by presenting the Minister with a brand new set of proposals for the modernisation of the UK's entire Coastguard Service. Their alternative proposals, well-researched and exceedingly well-presented, gave Mike Penning a solution – not a headache – about how best to update the country's Coastguard Service and build its resilience to meet 21st century demands.   Sitting beside him during the presentation, it was obvious to me that Mr Penning was positively impressed and clearly delighted...