LETTER:Keep the rescue services free
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: For about 20 years the question of compulsory rescue insurance (report, 6 April) has come up time and again. Rather than help the services involved, in a lot of cases it would do them financial harm.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, for instance, acknowledged as one of the best such services in the world, runs on voluntary contributions given freely by its many supporters. Once people begin to start paying insurance they would not then be inclined to donate money as well. Business institutions would withdraw their sponsorships.
The military services we pay for in our taxes, and I am sure that the helicopter crews would be the first to agree that the jobs they do helping civilians enhance the skills needed in their role as search and rescue units for the military.
G Lynch
Formby, Merseyside
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments