Maritime UK Congratulates Our New Prime Minister

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  • Published:5 Jul 2024

Sir Keir Starmer has been appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after the Labour Party secured a majority in the House of Commons in yesterday’s general election. Maritime UK’s Chief Executive, Chris Shirling-Rooke has shared his congratulations and also urged the newly appointed Prime Minister to prioritise the interests and economic prosperity of coastal communities in the Government's upcoming plans and agenda.

In the Maritime Manifesto 2024, Maritime UK outlined its ambitious plan to boost the UK’s homegrown workforce increasing the country’s sovereign capability to deliver the green infrastructure and technologies to achieve a more sustainable future, whilst bringing life-changing opportunities to coastal communities across the country.

Robin Mortimer, Chair of Maritime UK, said:

“On behalf of Maritime UK, I congratulate Sir Keir Starmer as he becomes the UK’s new Prime Minister and urge his new Government to join our mission to deliver prosperity through championing the UK’s rich heritage and exciting future as a maritime nation. By investing in our country’s most vulnerable regions to build a genuine Coastal Powerhouse, we can create rewarding career opportunities for local people, drive technological innovation, and attract global trade and investment opportunities.”

Chris Shirling-Rooke, CEO of Maritime UK, said:

“Maritime UK offers its congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer, and wishes him well as he prepares to take office formally today. Maritime UK represents the £116Bn maritime industry which supports over 1.1 million jobs across the United Kingdom. There is no time to waste: it is time to get serious about maritime.”

Maritime UK is the umbrella organisation convening the maritime industries of the United Kingdom including ports, professional services, leisure marine, shipping and engineering. We provide a single high-level voice that represents an incredible sector worth more than rail and air combined. Every £1 of maritime turnover generates a further £1.62 across the supply chain, generating prosperity across the breadth and length of the UK by enabling trade, driving innovation and creating well-paid and high-skilled jobs.