Since 5 July, the UK has been officially governed by a strong Labour majority, and the prime minister has just begun announcing his new ministers. Today, Kier Starmer appointed Mike Kane as the new maritime minister of the United Kingdom.

The UK Chamber of Shipping Chief Executive Officer, Rhett Hatcher, reacted to the news by saying:

I congratulate Mike Kane on his appointment as maritime minister.

"Having shadowed the maritime brief for most of the last Parliament he brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and is ably placed to hit the ground running. I look forward to working together to help ensure shipping continues to be at the heart of UK prosperity.

"There is much to be done across government for the shipping sector. Early focus should be on a long term decarbonisation plan, ensuring our approach to maritime borders helps, rather than hinders, trade and working with the sector to deliver the workforce we need now and in the future.