THE RNLI’s decision to downgrade lifeboat provision in Ceredigion was debated in the House of Lords last week.

Baroness Sugg, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, was quizzed by five fellow peers from all sections of the political spectrum - Baroness Bloomfield (Con), Lord Morris (Lab), Lord Harries (crossbench), Baroness Humphreys (Lib Dem) and Baroness Smith (Lab) – who all raised concerns.

Campaigners are fighting to keep the all-weather lifeboat in New Quay, while the RNLI wish to replace it with an inshore Atlantic-class boat following a review.

During the debate, Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist said: “The replacement of the all-weather lifeboat with an Atlantic 85 inshore vessel, which cannot be launched in stormy conditions exceeding force 7, leaves a gap of 63 nautical miles in all-weather search and rescue provision.

“This and the alleged lack of a proper, open consultation with any local stakeholders concerned with sea safety in Cardigan Bay are a matter of grave concern to the local community.”

Lord Harries of Pentregarth (CB) added: “I declare a personal interest as someone with long-standing family connections in the area and as a supporter of this campaign.

“The RNLI of course does wonderful work, but I am afraid that in this instance it has been totally lacking in transparency with the people of New Quay about the reasons for its decision.

“Despite what the Minister said, independent research shows that in severe weather conditions—force 7 in daylight and force 6 by night—it does increase the risk. There is a 70-mile gap, as I understand it, between the nearest all-weather lifeboats and it simply takes that much longer to get there.

“Should not an organisation such as the RNLI that depends on trust be more open about its decisions and in this instance look again at the increased risk of this decision?”

A spokesman for Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign said: “Baroness Sugg simply reiterated the RNLI’s position, without addressing any of the legitimate concerns raised regarding sea safety and risk, the RNLI’s failure to consult and the RNLI’s refusal to release any evidence that backs their position.

“The Baroness repeated the misleading RNLI statement that we have heard many times before about a new, faster lifeboat, without mentioning that it will be unable to launch in bad weather. To then suggest that lifesaving provision will be improved as a result is ridiculous.”