Wednesday 8th July 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
Charlie Dewhirst MP speaking in the House of Commons
Bridlington’s Coastguard Rescue Team is facing one of the most serious challenges in its long and proud history, with concerns that national changes could leave the town’s emergency responders under unprecedented pressure.
Charlie Dewhirst MP has warned that a recent court ruling has created “serious consequences” for the Coastguard service, raising fears that large numbers of experienced personnel may walk away later this year unless urgent action is taken.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Bridlington oversees search and rescue operations across a vast stretch of coastline — more than 250 miles — protecting communities and saving lives every day. The centre coordinates responses involving Bridlington’s own Coastguard Rescue Team, RNLI Bridlington Lifeboats and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
Mr Dewhirst said these teams work in dangerous and demanding conditions, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others. He recently met a local Coastguard officer to hear first-hand how the ruling could impact staffing, morale and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
He has urged the Government to maintain the current system until a “positive and workable” solution is found, warning that losing skilled Coastguard volunteers and officers would leave a critical gap in Bridlington’s coastal safety network.
Concerns have been growing locally, with Coastguard sources describing the situation as the most serious threat to the service in decades. Mr Dewhirst raised the issue directly with the Minister in the House of Commons, stressing that any reduction in staffing would have a direct and damaging effect on operations based in Bridlington.
He said the Coastguard’s 200‑year history of service must be protected, and that coastal communities like Bridlington rely on these responders every single day.
Charlie Dewhirst MP speaking in the House of Commons