With a General Election due to be called later this year this was an important opportunity to highlight to Lord Davies some immediate areas where the Government should be taking action to support the shipping sector before the election is called. These include:

• A commitment to SMarT funding beyond March 2025 when current funding expires to help grow the number of UK trained seafarers.
• Confirming an exemption for lifeline ferry services from the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to protect vital services for island communities.
• The need to engage with colleagues in France, Belgium and the Netherlands about the roll out of the EU Entry/Exit System in October 2024 to avoid disruption at maritime borders.

Commenting on the meeting Tom said:

Although a General Election is due within a matter of months there is still plenty the Government can do to support the shipping sector.

“This meeting was a welcome opportunity to highlight to Lord Davies areas, across all of the Chamber’s campaigning priorities of people, planet and prosperity, where we need to see action in the short term to help ensure that shipping can continue to be a driving force behind UK economic growth and social wellbeing.

“The Chamber stands ready to work together with Lord Davies and his colleagues to deliver on these important issues.