Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of redundancies amongst maritime workers at (a) P&O Ferries and (b) Stena Line on the UK’s capacity to move (i) freight and (ii) passengers on international roll-on roll-off ferry routes during and after the covid-19 pandemic.

The Government recognises that the news regarding job losses at P&O and Stena will be distressing for employees and their families.

The Government has already announced a range of measures to support all businesses, including roll-on roll-off ferry operators, and we encourage all firms to draw on this unprecedented package of support.

In addition, on 24 April Government committed up to £35m to keeping freight flowing on critical routes into and across the UK.