HAL - I think said individual is a very political and ambitious person who perhaps looked at the US Coastguard and thought the MCA should have similar powers and capability. To be fair, there are not many countries around the world where the military provide what is essentially civilian SAR since about 98% of our jobs are rescuing civilians. There are even fewer where the role is split between 3 different service providers (RAF,RN and MCA).
Although he talked of partnerships at first it soon became apparent that his intention was for MCA to become the sole providers. Quite shrewd really since he involved the military (SAR H) in constructing the argument to (possibly) bring about the loss of military SAR.
As for informed debate - that's what happens when you use facts instead of rumour and hearsay.
