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To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing an exemption from the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for island ferry services comparable to that available under the EU scheme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing an exemption from the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for island ferry services comparable to that available under the EU scheme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2026 to Question 34741, whether any surcharges have been imposed by harbour authorities on any operators of international ferry services under the (a) Seafarers’ Wages (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and (b) Seafarers’ Wages (Amendment) Regulations 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2026 to Question 34741, whether any surcharges have been imposed by harbour authorities on any operators of international ferry services under the (a) Seafarers’ Wages (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and (b) Seafarers’ Wages (Amendment) Regulations 2026.
The Seafarers' Wages (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and 2026 do not make specific provision for surcharges, as these Regulations are for the purpose of uprating the National Minimum Wage equivalent rate in line with the National Minimum Wage. Provision for surcharges is made under the Seafarers' Wages Act 2023 and the Seafarers' Wages Regulations 2024. As per my answers of 19 October to Question 34741 and 12 October to Question 29386, no surcharges have been imposed on operators under this legislation since it came into force on 1 December 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If she will provide an estimate of the number of merchant seafarers working on short sea international ferry services in scope of Section 5 of the Seafarers Wages Act 2023 (as amended).
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, If she will provide an estimate of the number of merchant seafarers working on short sea international ferry services in scope of Section 5 of the Seafarers Wages Act 2023 (as amended).
Whilst the Department cannot give exact figures, an impact assessment was published for the Act, which makes some assumptions about the number of seafarers on board different vessel types per journey in order to estimate costs to businesses, but it does not make any estimates of the total number of seafarers in scope of the Seafarers Wages Act 2023. The Impact Assessment can be found at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62e2aa8ed3bf7f75af0923d5/seafarers-wages-impact-assessment.pdf.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many investigations of passenger complaints against (a) ferry and (b) cruise operators regarding accessibility of services from ports in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland the Maritime and Coastguard Agency undertook in each year since 2021-22.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many investigations of passenger complaints against (a) ferry and (b) cruise operators regarding accessibility of services from ports in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland the Maritime and Coastguard Agency undertook in each year since 2021-22.
The MCA has reviewed readily accessible records covering 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27. Records earlier than 2024-25 were not able to be produced /obtained within the time frame.
These records identify that one investigation has been undertaken by the MCA of passenger complaints against (a) ferry and (b) cruise operators regarding accessibility of services from ports in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her she has had with the Scottish Government and Forth Ports on the barriers to establishing a direct ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her she has had with the Scottish Government and Forth Ports on the barriers to establishing a direct ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk.
The Department for Transport was involved in cross government conversations with Cabinet Office and the Scotland Office and was supportive of the proposal.
In September 2026 Forth Ports announced it would no longer proceed with the project due to concerns about the long-term commercial viability of the service.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues and officials in the Department for Transport regarding the future supply of seafarer Apprentices to the ferry industry from nautical colleges in coastal communities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues and officials in the Department for Transport regarding the future supply of seafarer Apprentices to the ferry industry from nautical colleges in coastal communities.
The Government recognises the important role that maritime training and employment opportunities play in supporting growth, productivity and skills development in coastal communities. The Department for Transport, which leads government policy on the maritime sector, engages with other departments such as DfE and DWP, where workforce needs relate to the wider skills system. Through Skills England, Government are working with employers and sector bodies so that occupational standards underpinning apprenticeships and technical qualifications reflect current and future needs. Skills England’s Occupational Maps also help people understand routes into maritime careers.
As part of its routine review of apprenticeships, Skills England launched a recent call for feedback from employers regarding the future of five maritime apprenticeships. Responses from industry were strongly in support of retention, and my noble Friend the Minister for Skills took the decision to retain all five apprenticeships in light of industry feedback.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered changing the VAT treatment of domestic ferry passenger services.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered changing the VAT treatment of domestic ferry passenger services.
The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances, and does not routinely comment on proposals.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 12 October 2026 to Question 29386 on Ferries, whether surcharges have been imposed on any operators of international ferry services from UK ports on any other routes in scope of the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 12 October 2026 to Question 29386 on Ferries, whether surcharges have been imposed on any operators of international ferry services from UK ports on any other routes in scope of the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024.
No surcharges have been imposed to date on any operators of international ferry services under the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she last had discussions with her French counterpart on the enforcement of seafarer rights in the short sea ferry sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she last had discussions with her French counterpart on the enforcement of seafarer rights in the short sea ferry sector.
The Secretary of State for Transport last met with the French Minister for Transport on 8 July 2026.
Department for Transport officials have regular discussions with their counterparts in the French government to discuss enforcement of seafarer employment protections.
On 15 September 2025, the UK and France signed a joint declaration on Cross-Channel information exchange and cooperation, committing to further joint working on enforcement of seafarer measures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many operators of ferry routes between England and France have been issued with a surcharge for non-compliance with the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024 to date.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many operators of ferry routes between England and France have been issued with a surcharge for non-compliance with the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024 to date.
There have not been any surcharges imposed on operators of ferry routes between England and France to date.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact on the a) effectiveness and b) future of the Common Travel Area between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland of ferry operators...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact on the a) effectiveness and b) future of the Common Travel Area between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland of ferry operators...
No change has been made to the Government’s operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement. The CTA continues to afford British and Irish citizens the ability to move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including the right to work, study, etc.
We are committed to maintaining the CTA and preventing abuse of it.
I am glad to correct at the Dispatch Box something of a myth, Mr Speaker. Like you, I do love the south of England, so I thank my hon. Friend for giving me that opportunity—[Laughter.] Okay, I love the south of England; on this issue, I will not speak for you, Mr Speaker.
On the day that I became Labour leader, I visited my hon. Friend’s constituency and saw where the ferry link used to go across the head of the river, providing critical connectivity for her constituents. I do not think it is acceptable that a link once there can just be abandoned and go. I will work with my hon. Friend to find ways of bringing that service back, supported by No. 10 North. She has my word on that.
I am glad to correct at the Dispatch Box something of a myth, Mr Speaker. Like you, I do love the south of England, so I thank my hon. Friend for giving me that opportunity—[Laughter.] Okay, I love the south of England; on this issue, I will not speak for you, Mr Speaker.
On the day that I became Labour leader, I visited my hon. Friend’s constituency and saw where the ferry link used to go across the head of the river, providing critical connectivity for her constituents. I do not think it is acceptable that a link once there can just be abandoned and go. I will work with my hon. Friend to find ways of bringing that service back, supported by No. 10 North. She has my word on that.
Q6
.
Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab):
The Prime Minister will remember his first visit as Labour leader to Gravesend, proving that he loves the south as much as the north. On that day, I spoke to him about the long campaign by me and my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) for the return and sustainable funding of the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry. Will the Prime Minister give his support again and help us to unlock barriers to back this ferry route, as connectivity matters for supporting high streets?
Q6
.
Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab):
The Prime Minister will remember his first visit as Labour leader to Gravesend, proving that he loves the south as much as the north. On that day, I spoke to him about the long campaign by me and my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) for the return and sustainable funding of the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry. Will the Prime Minister give his support again and help us to unlock barriers to back this ferry route, as connectivity matters for supporting high streets?
Q6
.
Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab):
The Prime Minister will remember his first visit as Labour leader to Gravesend, proving that he loves the south as much as the north. On that day, I spoke to him about the long campaign by me and my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) for the return and sustainable funding of the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry. Will the Prime Minister give his support again and help us to unlock barriers to back this ferry route, as connectivity matters for supporting high streets?
I am glad to correct at the Dispatch Box something of a myth, Mr Speaker. Like you, I do love the south of England, so I thank my hon. Friend for giving me that opportunity—[Laughter.] Okay, I love the south of England; on this issue, I will not speak for you, Mr Speaker.
On the day that I became Labour leader, I visited my hon. Friend’s constituency and saw where the ferry link used to go across the head of the river, providing critical connectivity for her constituents. I do not think it is acceptable that a link once there can just be abandoned and go. I will work with my hon. Friend to find ways of bringing that service back, supported by No. 10 North. She has my word on that.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to WPQ17732, how many occasions these powers have been used within 3 miles of the land border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to WPQ17732, how many occasions these powers have been used within 3 miles of the land border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
It is longstanding Home Office policy to not disclose location specific staffing information, as to do so could compromise operational effectiveness. Resources in Northern Ireland, including Inland Immigration Enforcement, form part of a wider UK-wide operational model, with deployments kept under continual review in response to intelligence, risk and operational demand. As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements, the UK does not operate routine immigration controls on individuals arriving in the UK by air or sea from within the CTA, and no immigration checks are undertaken at the land border with Ireland. The UK does, however, operate intelligence-led operational activity on CTA routes - away from the land border.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to WPQ17732, to detail on how many occasions these powers have been exercised jointly with PSNI in Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to WPQ17732, to detail on how many occasions these powers have been exercised jointly with PSNI in Northern Ireland.
It is longstanding Home Office policy to not disclose location specific staffing information, as to do so could compromise operational effectiveness. Resources in Northern Ireland, including Inland Immigration Enforcement, form part of a wider UK-wide operational model, with deployments kept under continual review in response to intelligence, risk and operational demand. As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements, the UK does not operate routine immigration controls on individuals arriving in the UK by air or sea from within the CTA, and no immigration checks are undertaken at the land border with Ireland. The UK does, however, operate intelligence-led operational activity on CTA routes - away from the land border.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 15 July to Question 17732 on Immigration Controls, how many illegal entrants have been detected using these powers in Northern Ireland; how many have subsequently been detained; and how many have subsequently been deported.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 15 July to Question 17732 on Immigration Controls, how many illegal entrants have been detected using these powers in Northern Ireland; how many have subsequently been detained; and how many have subsequently been deported.
It is longstanding Home Office policy to not disclose location specific staffing information, as to do so could compromise operational effectiveness. Resources in Northern Ireland, including Inland Immigration Enforcement, form part of a wider UK-wide operational model, with deployments kept under continual review in response to intelligence, risk and operational demand. As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements, the UK does not operate routine immigration controls on individuals arriving in the UK by air or sea from within the CTA, and no immigration checks are undertaken at the land border with Ireland. The UK does, however, operate intelligence-led operational activity on CTA routes - away from the land border.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to WPQ17732, to provide detail on how many occasions UK Border Force have used these powers in Northern Ireland; to include (a) the number of vehicle searches (b) number of bus/coach inspections and (c) the number of maritime boardings.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to WPQ17732, to provide detail on how many occasions UK Border Force have used these powers in Northern Ireland; to include (a) the number of vehicle searches (b) number of bus/coach inspections and (c) the number of maritime boardings.
It is longstanding Home Office policy to not disclose location specific staffing information, as to do so could compromise operational effectiveness. Resources in Northern Ireland, including Inland Immigration Enforcement, form part of a wider UK-wide operational model, with deployments kept under continual review in response to intelligence, risk and operational demand. As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements, the UK does not operate routine immigration controls on individuals arriving in the UK by air or sea from within the CTA, and no immigration checks are undertaken at the land border with Ireland. The UK does, however, operate intelligence-led operational activity on CTA routes - away from the land border.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the safety and reliability of the ferry network.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the safety and reliability of the ferry network.
Communities throughout the UK depend on reliable ferry services. Ferry services largely operate in a commercial environment. While the Government does not formally assess their reliability, it works closely with the port and ferry sector to avoid disruption to passengers if possible and to mitigate it when necessary. If a journey is disrupted, passengers are entitled to claim compensation. This process is overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency oversees a rigorous system for the survey and inspection of the safety and working conditions of all commercially operating vessels visiting UK ports.
Through the Employment Rights Act 2025, the Department has introduced new powers to regulate certain matters relating to safe working on services calling at UK ports at least 120 times a year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been made of the safety and reliability of the UK ferry network.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been made of the safety and reliability of the UK ferry network.
Communities throughout the UK depend on reliable ferry services. Ferry services largely operate in a commercial environment. While the Government does not formally assess their reliability, it works closely with the port and ferry sector to avoid disruption to passengers if possible and to mitigate it when necessary. If a journey is disrupted, passengers are entitled to claim compensation. This process is overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency oversees a rigorous system for the survey and inspection of the safety and working conditions of all commercially operating vessels visiting UK ports.
Through the Employment Rights Act 2025, the Department has introduced new powers to regulate certain matters relating to safe working on services calling at UK ports at least 120 times a year.