London : UK politicians, including members of parliament and the House of Lords, launched a new All-Party Parliamentary Group dedicated to the UK cruise industry.
The group will focus on growing the benefits of cruise across the UK, supporting jobs, businesses and communities, while exploring how policy can strengthen the UK’s competitiveness in the international cruise industry, from skills and decarbonisation to tourism and regional growth.
More than 20 MPs and Peers have joined the group, drawn from across the political spectrum and from communities across the UK. Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey has been elected as the group’s chair, with former maritime minister Lord Davies of Gower and Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi elected as vice chairs.
“The group will provide an important forum to discuss how we can strengthen the industry, support our ports and deliver greater benefits for coastal communities across the UK,” said Paffey. “Cruise plays an important role in communities across the UK, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses. Nowhere is that more evident than in Southampton. Our port is at the heart of the UK cruise industry, whilst several international cruise lines are headquartered in the city supporting thousands of local jobs.”
Cruise ships visit more than 50 ports and destinations around the country, while the industry supports more than 69,000 jobs across the UK.
The APPG will encourage direct dialogue with industry leaders and experts. It will also provide a forum for engagement with ministers and civil servants on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Cruise Lines International Association will act as the group’s secretariat. “The cruise industry is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the UK’s maritime and visitor economies, with huge potential to support the government’s growth agenda,” explained Andy Harmer, executive director, CLIA UK.
“Building on the UK Government’s Cruise Growth Plan published last year, this new group will provide an important forum for parliamentarians and industry to discuss key priorities including decarbonisation, skills and destination stewardship, and the policies needed to support the sector’s continued growth.”
Harmer concluded: “We are delighted to support the APPG’s members with their new forum that can work to grow cruise sustainably, bringing even greater benefits to communities, businesses and destinations across the UK.”
