Sean Brogan, Exeter Socialist Party
As part of the Con-Dem coalition’s ‘austerity’ programme under the guise of ‘modernisation’, Brixham Coastguard Station – along with eight others – faces closure.
These closures, due to commence in three years, will endanger life not only at sea but on the cliffs and inlets.
Fishing is a dangerous occupation and accidents at sea require an immediate response.
At a public meeting hosted by local councils, the case against these measures was put and well received by the audience.
But unfortunately no one was allowed to contribute from the floor except ‘important’ people! The top table included a member of the PCS union, which represents coastguards, but also local Tory MPs and an ex-Labour Party council member.
Having Tories and Lib Dems present was like asking Dracula to tie a tourniquet to a wound. These are the same people who are shredding our NHS. Those who are rescued by coastguards will have to have second-rate hospital treatment if these cuts are not defeated.
This struggle will only be won, not by inviting the butchers to tea, but by linking up the trade unions, local communities and building anti-cuts alliances.
