The Red Ensign to ‘rule waves again’

THE UK will use Brexit to double the size of the Merchant Navy and exploit new trading opportunities, maritime minister John Hayes revealed yesterday.

He said trade deals from Australia to America will help the UK to become a “dominant maritime force”.

Britain is to offer tax breaks and Royal Navy protection for shipping companies sailing under the Red Ensign, or “Red Duster”. Ships sailing under the British flag will also have the support of British consuls in foreign ports.

Mr Hayes predicted the increase in trade will propel the UK into the top 10 of global maritime nations from its current position of 15th.

He said: “Unfurling the Red Duster shows Britain’s maritime leadership to the world. Once again Britannia rules the waves and the UK will be a dominant maritime force.”

Seize

Speaking at the launch of London International Shipping Week at 10 Downing Street, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling called on employers to double the number of apprenticeships on offer.

He said: “Leaving the European Union will allow Britain to seize new opportunities and rediscover our heritage as a truly global, seafaring, trading nation.

“Our maritime industry, far from being a story of the past, is a thriving success story – worth around £15billion a year to our economy and supporting a quarter of a million jobs.

“This Government is determined to work with the maritime industry to help it grow significantly and make the UK a world leader for shipping business.”

David Dingle, the chairman of Maritime UK, said Brexit offered risks and opportunities.

But, he added, Brexit could also provide a “great opportunity to export the maritime sector”.