News: UK maritime leaders discuss Brexit with Transport Secretary

The Secretary of State for Transport has chaired a roundtable with maritime industry leaders to listen to their priorities for the sector in the light of the referendum vote to leave the EU.

The Secretary of State chaired the meeting alongside Shipping and Ports Minister John Hayes, Trade Minister Mark Garnier, DExEU Minister Lord Bridges, Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill and Defence Procurement Minister Harriet Baldwin, to hear the views of industry leaders on the forthcoming Brexit negotiations and talk about the opportunities Britain’s decision to leave the EU could bring to the sector.

Maritime is crucial to the UK’s economy - contributing around £35 billion annually. As the engine of British trade, and with a world leading marine manufacturing sector, the UK maritime industry supports over 700,000 jobs, and drives exports and inward investment.

The sector is a vital part of the UK’s island nation heritage and of its modern economy – supporting jobs, driving innovation and enabling trade. The sector also enables millions of people to enjoy the recreational benefits of the UK's coastal and inland waterways.

The roundtable gave Ministers from across government an opportunity to listen to the sector and get their views on the priority issues and opportunities following the public vote to leave the EU.

Members representing all maritime sectors - shipping, ports, marine industries and maritime business services were all represented at Board level to discuss new trading opportunities, market access, customs, exports, inward investment, visas, skills, and support for a renaissance in British shipbuilding.

These insights will help ensure that the sector’s views are reflected in the analysis being conducted by the government on the options for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Following the meeting, the Chairman of Maritime UK, David Dingle CBE said:

“In light of the decision to leave the EU, the UK must now, more than ever, capitalise on our global reputation as a world class maritime nation, embrace trade opportunities and deliver prosperity across the country.

“There are now huge opportunities to be seized and the industry recognises the significant responsibility it has in ensuring that Britain is open for business, and is committed to working in partnership with government to ensure that our voice is heard in the discussions ahead.

“Today’s roundtable with Ministers from right across government demonstrates the crucial role that our sector plays in enabling trade with the rest of the world, and of the close partnership industry now has with government to ensure the UK strengthens its position as a world-class maritime centre.”