+++ Coastguard Stations Slashed - Just 3 To Work 24hrs

18 stations cut to just 8 with only 3 of them providing 24 hour cover.

Giving just one private company all UK Search and Rescue Helicopter operations has been delayed, because a foreign company is part of the favoured consortium Soteria, as we reported yesterday.

UK Search and Rescue has a part military function, which is why the RAF and Royal Navy have their own teams.

The government says a "possible issue" has arisen with a "foreign" consortium's bid to take over the running of the fleet from the RAF. This possible issue had arisen in the last 48 hours, so the decision is postponed pending clarification.