News: Maritime UK welcomes Maritime Minister reappointment

David Dingle CBE, Chairman of Maritime UK, has welcomed the reappointment of Rt Hon John Hayes MP as Maritime Minister,

“We welcome John’s reappointment as Maritime Minister. Industry has got to know him well, and we look forward to getting back to work, to grow and promote the UK’s maritime sector.”

“John’s commitment to growing and strengthening the sector is well-known. We jointly led the UK’s first maritime trade mission to Shanghai at the end of March, and we look forward to working together to further promote the sector, foster innovation and deliver growth.

“We’re resolutely committed to strengthening the UK’s role as the world’s maritime centre.”

General Election and Brexit

Commenting on the outcome of the General Election, Mr Dingle, added,

"We hope that despite the uncertainties caused by the general election, there will be a period of predictable government, with a listening, inclusive and collaborative approach to the immense issues ahead of the country. Effective leadership is required for the Brexit negotiations that are due to start in a matter of days.

"These are the most critical set of negotiations in a lifetime. We want to see a Brexit deal that ensures the UK’s attractiveness as a place to do business, as a place to research, develop and innovate the cutting-edge maritime products and services of tomorrow, and a deal that capitalises upon new freedoms to back British industry.

“Above all, we need free trade with Europe as well as the rest of the world, enabling our sector to perform its unique and fundamental role in facilitating UK global trade.”

"Whilst we have become accustomed to political surprises of late, we aim to work collaboratively with Government in any form, particularly as the critical strategic importance of the maritime sector to this country transcends any political considerations."

Industrial strategy

On developing the UK's industrial strategy, David Dingle added that the maritime sector will continue to work closely with the new government,

"Maritime has to be absolutely central to the UK’s industrial strategy – both in terms of enabling swift and efficient global trade and by advancing innovation and boosting exports of our own maritime products and services.

“Both of which will help boost productivity and deliver growth across the whole country.

“Maritime UK is coordinating the maritime sector’s bid. Industry has already identified a number of proposals to feature in our bid, and we’re looking to government to demonstrate real progress as soon as possible, now that the election is behind us.”