Keir Mather Scraps Coastguard Pay Cuts Following Outcry

Maritime Minister Keir Mather announced on July 16, 2026, that the UK government has scrapped plans to transition coastguard rescue officers to an expenses-only volunteer model. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency had proposed removing hourly payments of approximately £11 for call-outs and training sessions starting in September. This proposal followed a Court of Appeal ruling that identified the officers as workers, granting them employment rights.

The policy reversal came after a nationwide campaign led by the GMB union and local officials, including the leader of North Yorkshire Council. Reports indicated that the cuts could lead up to 25% of volunteers nationwide—and as many as 56% in southern England—to resign or reduce their hours. Critics, including several Members of Parliament, warned that such a loss of personnel would endanger public safety.

Mather stated that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's original decision was based on flawed and insufficiently detailed surveys. He confirmed that current payment arrangements will remain in place to ensure officers are treated with dignity and respect. The government now intends to conduct further engagement with trade unions, MPs, and volunteers to determine a permanent reward system for the 3,500 officers. In the wake of the decision, MP Joe Robertson called for a full government review of the agency's leadership and organizational model.