THE proposed axing of Ceredigion’s only all-weather lifeboat at New Quay has again been raised in the House of Commons at Prime Minister’s Question Time.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake took the opportunity to highlight the issue with Theresa May in the high-profile setting at Westminster on Wednesday (April 19).

Following a coastal review, the RNLI announced last summer that it is planning to replace the all-weather Mersey-class boat at the New Quay station with an Atlantic-class inshore boat, rather than a new Shannon-class all-weather boat, prompting a huge public outcry.

Mr Lake has already voiced his dismay at the decision and has given his support to the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign, which has been set up by locals to oppose the move.

He had previously raised the issue in Parliament last year and wrote to Chris Grayling, the secretary of state for transport, highlighting his fears if the all-weather boat was lost.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Lake said: “The Ceredigion coastline is among the most stunning in the British Isles, and Cardigan Bay has sustained communities on the value of its beauty and bounty.

“For 150 years, the lifeboat station at New Quay has valiantly safeguarded those who venture out into the bay, but it is possible that Ceredigion will no longer have an all-weather lifeboat from 2020.

“Does the Prime Minister agree that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which does invaluable work, serves as a fourth emergency service and that, as such, it is essential that the coastline of Ceredigion, like every other populated coastline, has access to that service whatever the weather?”

In reply, the Prime Minister said: “Search and rescue at sea is provided by several organisations, including the Coastguard and the RNLI.

“The RNLI has a proud tradition, and we should be grateful for its record on search and rescue at sea.

“It is obviously independent and decides where best to put its resources but we are supporting the work of independent lifeboat charities through our rescue boat grant fund, which has allocated more than £3.5 million since 2014 to increase capacity and resilience by providing new boats and equipment.”

A motion passed unanimously by Ceredigion County Council has called on the RNLI to retain the all-weather lifeboat capability at New Quay, which covers 70 miles of coastline.

An RNLI spokesman has previously said: “The decision to replace the all-weather lifeboat at New Quay was underpinned by extensive research of records going back to 2008.

“It concluded that services by New Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat could have been carried out safely and effectively by an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, supported by 25-knot all-weather lifeboats at neighbouring stations if required.”

A petition opposing the RNLI’s plan has attracted thousands of signatures of support. To sign the online petition, go to https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-shannon-class-lifeboat-at-new-quay or visit local businesses for paper petitions.