Labour cabinet row as Business Secretary rebukes Louise Haigh’s P&O Ferries ‘rogue operator’ comment

This comes after Transport Secretary Haigh described P&O Ferries as a "rogue operator" and called for a consumer boycott, causing tension with the company's parent firm DP World ahead of a crucial investment summit in London.

The controversy stems from P&O Ferries' decision to summarily sack 800 seafarers in March 2022.

This action sparked widespread criticism, including from former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Despite the backlash, DP World, P&O's parent company, had planned a £1bn investment in the UK.

Some reports claimed this investment was under review following Haigh's recent comments, but Reynolds told GB News it will go ahead.

It comes after frantic efforts by ministers and diplomats have since been made to repair relations and salvage the investment plans.

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Reynolds explained Labour's stance on the P&O Ferries issue, stating: "We thought it was wrong the fire and rehire that we saw, those workers being sacked and then taken back on fewer terms and conditions."

He emphasised that Labour plans to change the law, making such practices unlawful under their government.

Reynolds added: "We'll also, by the way, change some of the maritime laws that allowed this to go ahead at the time that it did under the Conservative government."

Despite these planned changes, Reynolds confirmed that DP World would attend the investment summit and their £1bn investment would proceed as planned.

Reynolds emphasised the importance of balancing pro-business and pro-worker policies. He stated: "Look, for me the big picture is always going to be not only do I think a government can be pro-business and pro-worker, I think it's what's required."

The Shadow Business Secretary highlighted Labour's recently announced employment bill, saying: "I think people in insecure work need better terms and conditions. That's part of what we've announced this week in the employment bill."