Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with representatives of the Royal Navy on proposals to fly the Red Ensign from Royal Navy ships and shore establishments to mark Merchant Navy Day on 3 September 2021.

The Royal Navy has previously celebrated the close links between the RN and the Merchant Navy (MN) on both Merchant Navy Day and other occasions, and will continue to do so.

In recognition of the close links between the RN and MN, all Naval Regional Commanders encouraged RN establishments within their regions to fly the Red Ensign on 3 September 2020. The intent is that this tradition will continue to grow in the coming years.