Call to train young sailors

UK maritime employers should double the number of apprenticeships they offer to help Britain become a “truly global, seafaring, trading” nation after Brexit, Chris Grayling has said.

The transport secretary spoke ahead of a meeting with international industry figures in Downing Street yesterday, setting out the UK Government’s aim to make the country’s shipping sector a world leader.

Ministers aim to achieve this through apprenticeships, a new plan to shape and promote the sector up to 2050, and collaborations with industry partners.

At the start of the London International Shipping Week event, Mr Grayling said: “Leaving the European Union will allow Britain to seize new opportunities and rediscover our heritage as a

“Leaving the EU will allow Britain to seize opportunities”

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.”

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said: “The UK’s maritime industry brings billions of pounds a year into our economy and will be vital to our continued prosperity when we leave the European Union.

“Our ambition is that we lead the way in worldclass shipbuilding and maritime technology. I’m delighted to be here at London Shipping Week to demonstrate our commitment to strengthen this thriving industry.”