Call for minister for UK’s coastal communities

THE three million people who live on Britain’s coastlines, who may be worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, should have a Government Minister to represent their interests, says the umbrella group Maritime UK.

A Minister for the Coastal Powerhouse would provide muchneeded focus on revitalising coastal economies, boosting global trading capacity and the maritime industries of the future as the UK rebuilds its economy, the organisation said.

With almost half of maritime jobs being outside London and the South East, the sector is uniquely placed to deliver on the Government’s “levelling-up” agenda.

A minister would help focus and accelerate these efforts, Maritime UK said.

The maritime sector has a longstanding history in the South West. According to the latest figures, the sector contributed £1.4 billion to the South West economy, employed 29,600 directly and a total of 108,500 through the supply chain.

“With the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine, we have seen what is possible when a minister is held to account for economic development. We expect the same benefits here,” Maritime UK said.

“Coastal communities have been some of the worst hit in this crisis, and we need accountability to ensure the ‘left behind’ are not left behind once more.”

Maritime UK said that existing coastal regeneration funds have tended to be allocated towards specific projects like high street support, and that investment is desperately needed to drive industrial growth around the coast.

The continued success of the £46 billion maritime sector is vital for coastal communities. It is a key source of well-paid and highly skilled roles, which pay an average of £38,000 a year, £9,000 more than the national average. Harry Theochari, chair of Maritime UK, said: “We are calling on Government to create a Minister for the Coastal Powerhouse, a move that would help turbo-charge the development of our coastal communities.

“There is a fantastic opportunity here. Coastal communities can be at the heart of massive new growth opportunities: increased global trade through our ports, new green maritime technologies, moving freight off the road and rail network to coastal and inland shipping, advanced manufacturing, modern shipbuilding and by encouraging more people to get on the water.

“As an island nation, and with a global ocean economy predicted to be worth £2.4 trillion by 2030, where better to look for exciting new growth opportunities than in our coastal communities?

“The future is bright for maritime. And a Minister for the Coastal Powerhouse would be a tremendous boost to us all.”

Investment generates jobs, Maritime UK said. “A recent £66 million investment in Artemis Technologies, who produce zero-emission electric ferries, is set to create 1,000 positions in Belfast alone. Other investments have produced similar results.”

There is a fantastic

opportunity here. Coastal communities can be at the heart of massive new growth

opportunities