DP World, the parent company of P&O Ferries, made headlines recently when it was reported that they would be attending the UK government’s international investment summit, despite earlier speculation that they had pulled out of the event. The company was expected to announce a significant £1 billion investment in the UK during the summit, but this was put on hold after Transport Secretary Louise Haigh called for a boycott of P&O, describing them as a “rogue operator.”
However, on Saturday, the Department of Business and Trade confirmed that DP World would indeed be attending the summit. This news came after criticism from various political figures, including Keir Starmer, who rebuked Haigh for her comments and urged for a more cooperative approach with the company.
Haigh had previously announced new worker protections and stated that she had instructed the Department for Transport to have no dealings with P&O or DP World, except on safety grounds. This move was in response to P&O Ferries’ controversial decision to fire 800 crew members without warning and replace them with lower-paid agency staff, a decision that sparked outrage among politicians and the public.
The upcoming investment summit, which aims to attract foreign investment to the UK, is set to be attended by prominent figures such as Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. DP World’s potential £1 billion investment in the UK, particularly in expanding its London Gateway port, was expected to be a key highlight of the event.
Despite the initial pause on their investment plans, DP World’s decision to comply with new seafarer’s legislation, which aims to prevent harmful employment practices such as fire-and-rehire, was welcomed by Downing Street. The company, which also owns Southampton Port, has been in close communication with the government regarding their investment intentions.
The controversy surrounding P&O Ferries and DP World has highlighted the importance of ethical business practices and adherence to employment laws. While there have been calls for boycotts and criticism of the company’s past actions, there is also recognition of the need for businesses to operate within the boundaries of the law and treat their workers fairly.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how DP World’s investment plans will progress and what impact they will have on the UK economy. The government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and create a business-friendly environment will likely be closely scrutinized in light of recent events involving P&O Ferries and DP World.
