Transport secretary Philip Hammond announced this week that the Government would again consider a dramatic reduction of coastguard stations.

The news follows an earlier investigation into the matter; December saw MPs initiate a consultation to determine the viability of reducing the UK’s current 18 coastguard stations down to just eight.

The plan, which would’ve seen smaller stations consolidated in to a handful of big ones, proved unpopular in some coastal regions and among some Tory MPs. Reports had said that the proposal was dropped, however Mr Hammond told BBC reporters on Wednesday that the move was again under consideration. Sources say that at least some changes are underway, however their extent and specifics aren’t yet known.

According to Hammond’s statement yesterday, officials are still working on the ‘best configuration’ for the coastguard. He said that the results would be announced in Parliament prior to the upcoming summer recess and also downplayed accusations that it was a ‘U-turn’ decision after The Times had reported that some stations that were under the gun might be spared.

Meanwhile, shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle urged Hammond to clear up the matter and said that it would be ‘reckless’ to reduce the coastguard to just three stations that remain on duty 24 hours a day.