UK sailors must ‘stay on board’ as P&O suspends operations – latest updates Business

JTransportation Secretary Grant Shapps said officials in his department would have “urgent discussions” with P&O after the company suspended operations.

In the Commons, Shadow Transport Minister Mike Kane said:

Worrying news has just emerged that P&O Ferries has been called to port as their owners DP World seek the ferry company’s long-term viability.

Major disruptions are expected. Can the Secretary of State please update the House on all discussions he has had with DP World, P&O Ferries any potential layoffs and any layoffs that may occur we do not want these crews replaced by a cheap foreign labor.

The Transportation Secretary replied:

I am concerned by this news which falls on P&O Ferries. I understand that they have temporarily suspended operations and this is causing disruption in the strait – Calais-Dover – as well as other ports.

I am working with the Kent Resilience Forum and have just asked them and other partners to become closely involved in this area, and we will take action later today – including ensuring that my officials have urgent discussions with P&O about the situation, which is of particular concern to their workers.

Lindsay Hoyle, the chairman, said he would authorize an emergency declaration later in the day if necessary.