P&O Ferries: Government and Ports Must Act

Responding to the announcement of P&O Ferries laying off 800 workers with immediate effect, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said:

"Today's underhanded action by P&O is an attack on workers. It is an absolute outrage.

"This is simply not an acceptable way to treat employees and the government must step in urgently to help reduce tensions and bring people back to the table.

"If the current owners cannot manage this company properly then the government needs to consider how a more responsible owner can be brought in.

"Clearly the Conservatives also need to tighten up rules about how registered ships treat workers to ensure this doesn't happen again."

All of the P&O ships on the busiest Dover - Calais route are currently berthed in Dover. Liberal Democrat Group Leader in nearby Folkestone and Hythe, Tim Prater, said:

"To treat staff in this way is completely unacceptable. We simply cannot allow P&O and DP World to get away with treating people in this manner.

"The Government should urgently consider revoking their right to operate from the UK until this action is rescinded in full or the onwership of the company changes.

"The Port of Dover and other UK ports should refuse to allow P&O to sail from them or use their facilities. DP World are acting like pirates, and should be treated as such."