P&O Ferries is one of the few subjects on which Britain's political class agree. Its summary sacking of 800 British seafarers and their replacement with cheaper, largely foreign agency staff is universally considered one of the most outrageous acts in the recent history of labour relations. Louise Haigh was among the first and loudest to call it out, attending protests in Dover as shadow transport secretary the day it happened in March 2022. As a minister, however, the stakes are higher.
He will not now travel to London, the expansion of London Gateway is on hold, and the Investment Summit has suffered an embarrassing blow. The vibes around the event were already less than perfect, with some investors reportedly yet to commit and critical arrangements amid general concern that Labour is courting overseas wealth while simultaneously plotting to tax it in the budget.