Rescuers need help, say MPs

The Government will not force climbers to pay to be rescued when stuck on mountains — even if they are taking significant risks.

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick fears introducing any charge could endanger life.

He was responding to a call from MPs praising the work of mountain rescue volunteers.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Mountain rescue is a service provided free of charge to anyone who needs it.

“We do not want anyone who needs help to be concerned about cost, which could endanger life. Therefore, we have no intention of introducing a charge.”

MPs called for the Government to offer financial help to mountain rescue teams, exempt the vehicles from tax, refund VAT on any equipment they buy, and consider blanket insurance cover for all of them.

Mountain rescuers estimate they save the Government £6 million a year by providing the free emergency service, but only receive £33,000 a year from the NHS.