P&O owner to attend summit despite row over Louise Haigh's comments
DP World, the owner of P&O Ferries, will participate in the UK's investment summit on Monday, even after a controversy regarding a minister's negative remarks about the company.
There were concerns that they would withdraw from the summit, where they were anticipated to reveal a £1 billion investment. This anxiety increased after Transport Secretary Louise Haigh publicly criticized the ferry company and encouraged customers to stop using their services.
The company is expected to move forward with plans to expand its London Gateway port in Essex, with an announcement anticipated from some sources in the next few days.
On Saturday, sources from Whitehall reported that there has been positive communication between high-ranking officials at the company and the government ever since Sir Keir Starmer clarified his distance from his minister's comments.
The government is organizing the International Investment Summit, aiming to draw in billions of pounds in investments.
A spokesperson from Downing Street mentioned that the summit will demonstrate that the UK is ready for business while aiming to promote economic growth.
Subsequently, a government official stated that the prime minister trusts Haigh.
A government representative commented, “DP World’s investment in the UK reflects trust in the government's stability and commitment. We are pleased about the jobs and opportunities that will arise from this.”
They mentioned that the government was releasing the UK's "potential and aspirations" through collaboration with companies and investors from across the globe.
DP World has announced that the growth of the London Gateway port will create hundreds of job opportunities in Thurrock.
The company, which is located in the United Arab Emirates, is also the owner of Southampton Port.
It has not yet made any public statements regarding the recent events.
During an interview with the BBC's Newscast on Friday, Sir Keir stated that Haigh's remarks did not reflect the government's position.
It is believed that the prime minister did not take part in discussions with DP World and has not had any direct communication with Haigh regarding her comments.
The conflict began when Haigh referred to P&O as a "rogue operator" during an interview with ITV on Wednesday. This comment followed the company's decision to dismiss nearly 800 sailors in 2022 and hire less expensive staff in their place.
When asked if she used the ferry service, she replied, "I've been avoiding P&O Ferries for two and a half years, and I suggest that others do the same."
DP World emphasized that this decision was essential to keep the ferry service afloat and protect numerous jobs.
Haigh’s remarks during the interview came at the same time the Department for Transport revealed new laws intended to safeguard seafarers' jobs from the questionable "fire and rehire" tactics used by unscrupulous employers.
In the announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner referred to the previous actions of P&O Ferries as "unacceptable."
However, high-ranking officials in the government have informed the BBC that they were furious about the particular recommendation for customers to avoid using the ferry company.
Haigh's remarks drew backlash from the Conservative Party, with shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake claiming that Labour "lacks an understanding of business."
Nonetheless, Liam Byrne, the Labour chair of the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, came to Haigh's defense.
He stated that she was entirely correct in her assessment that P&O, which is owned by DP World, has behaved in a completely unacceptable manner in the past.
The dispute has revealed a conflict between the new government's aim to draw in businesses and enhance workers' rights.
