During the pandemic, I visited Hope Cove Lifeboat to learn more about their work and the challenges they were facing, as an independent search and rescue organisation.
This meeting led me to form the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), which officially launched in 2022 and now has 37 members, having gained the support of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Department for Transport and many Members of Parliament.
NILA, of which I am Honorary President, works to support and promote the independent lifeboats that operate across the United Kingdom. As well as offering a forum for teams to share ideas and seek advice, the organisation also provides a greater voice for independent lifeboats and allows them to have a say on national policy.
I have led parliamentary debates and hosted events in Westminster to highlight the work of NILA and its members, as well as also speaking up in support of the RNLI lifeboat crews who give up their time to save lives at sea along the South Devon coastline.
I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers around the country who provide such a vital service, and look forward to continuing to support NILA.