Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, tells us what public service means to her

With Andy Burnham settling into Downing Street and Westminster adjusting to a new political landscape, there is a fresh opportunity to put coastal communities back where they belong – at the heart of decision-making.

One of the first issues I’ve raised with our new Prime Minister is the case for a dedicated Minister for Coastal Communities. For too long, towns like Scarborough and Whitby have been overlooked when national priorities are set.

I'm encouraged by the PM’s commitment to devolution. Decisions are better informed when they are made closer to the people they affect, and our area has so much to offer. Alongside our world-famous coastline and tourism sector, we are home to electrical engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing and a proud bus-building tradition that supports skilled jobs. With the right backing, Scarborough and Whitby can play an even bigger role in Britain's future.

However, politics isn't really about job titles or reshuffles. It's about making a difference to people's lives. This month brought a powerful reminder of that.

Recently I met coastguard rescue officers who were alarmed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s proposal to reclassify them as volunteers; a move which would have triggered the loss of the modest payments they receive for attending incidents.

These high-trained emergency responders leave their families and work commitments at a moment’s notice when someone is in danger. Whether rescuing people from cliffs, responding to emergencies at sea or supporting those in crisis, coastguard rescue officers perform an extraordinary service, and many have decades of experience.

Their message was clear, and I was determined to make sure Westminster received it. That included bringing local coastguard rescue officers to Parliament so they could share their experiences directly with key decision-makers.

Within half-an-hour of that evidence gathering session concluding, I was contacted by the Maritime Minister. He confirmed the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s proposal to move coastguard rescue officers onto an expenses-only model would not be going ahead.

The Government's decision is a victory for common sense, but above all else, it is a victory for everyone who stood together and made their voices heard.

For me, that's what public service is all about – listening, standing up for your community and delivering results.

Scarborough and Whitby have never lacked resilience or pride. This win for coastguard rescue officers shows what can happen when we come together and make ourselves heard.

As a new chapter begins in Westminster, I want to make sure Scarborough and Whitby are not only part of the conversation but help to shape it.