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Seafarers’ Welfare
04 December 2025
Lead MP
Jen Craft
Thurrock
Lab
Responding Minister
Keir Mather
Tags
NHSEconomyEmployment
Word Count: 9321
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Jen Craft raised concerns about seafarers’ welfare in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should work with international partners to improve welfare standards for seafarers through an internationally coordinated approach and ensure that new amendments to the International Maritime Convention are implemented effectively.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The UK's shipping industry is vital for economic growth and national identity. However, seafarers face numerous challenges including poor living conditions, physical strain, mental health issues, and isolation from families. Charities like the Queen Victoria Seafarers Rest provide crucial support but are underfunded.
Mid Sussex
The MP discusses the P&O Ferries scandal and supports stronger worker protections, including the Employment Rights Bill's fire and rehire provisions. Thanked John McDonnell for reassurance and highlighted the importance of mental health support for seafarers amidst NHS crisis, advocating for reforms including regular check-ups and free prescriptions for chronic conditions. Asked for expansion of the scope of the Seafarers Wages Act, including safety regulations through roster patterns and fatigue management training.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Acknowledged the Queen Victoria Seafarers Rest's work in her constituency, highlighting its importance for active and retired seafarers. Emphasised that charities are underfunded and need support to address welfare inequalities. Invited representatives from the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest to join the Public Gallery, recognizing their work for seafarers’ welfare.
Gravesham
The Member for Gravesham mentioned the work of the RNLI and welcomed the Minister's update on promoting the levy system to improve onshore welfare provision for seafarers.
Lauren Sullivan
Lab
Gravesham
The MP highlights the importance of the Thames in Gravesham, the history of seafaring jobs, and the need for support for seafarers. She also pays tribute to the RNLI.
Sullivan
Con
Gravesham
Praised the RNLI for its incredible work in maritime safety and thanked the Port of London Authority for promoting safety on the River Thames.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Emphasised the significance of maritime trade to UK economy, highlighting steps taken by previous Government like Seafarers Wages Act 2023. Discussed actions against P&O Ferries and acknowledged need for further progress. Suggested a competitive tax regime to encourage foreign direct investment and acknowledged the wrongs committed during the P&O saga.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Introduced proposals around fares on ferries, demonstrating the importance of maritime services to connect UK communities.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Highlighted the importance of maritime traffic to the country, emphasising support for seafarers from various charities, including Combat Stress which helps with mental health issues of former merchant navy members. Highlighted the tragedies affecting his constituency and called for improved welfare and safety for seafarers. The hon. Member spoke about the call of the sea and its inherent dangers, highlighting specific risks faced by seafarers.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Paid tribute to James Elliott who lost his life in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and asked for a meeting with the Secretary of State or a Minister to discuss the defence review regarding RFA's role. Welcomed Alison Bennett’s engagement on the matter. Crossed his fingers about RMT strategy not just being finger-crossing. Discussed the redefinition of British waters as less effective than hoped. My right hon. Friend raised concerns over flags of convenience, which complicate crime investigations at sea, including cases of sexual assault against female seafarers.
Sent condolences to James Elliott’s family, praised Royal Fleet Auxiliary work, and requested a meeting with the Ministry of Defence.
Acknowledged progress in voluntary port levies for seafarer welfare and the need to push further, including international cooperation through ILO.
Government Response
Keir Mather
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Commended the debate and highlighted growth as the government's top priority. Acknowledged the importance of maritime workers, especially during Christmas. Emphasized support for seafarer welfare charities through grants like MiFi for wi-fi access and a vehicle replacement programme. Also mentioned the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s role in providing a link between charities and the government. Acknowledged progress in voluntary port levies, met with unions to discuss maritime safety, planned post-implementation review on nationality-based differential pay, expanded scope of the Seafarers Wages Act through Employment Rights Bill, consulted on the use of powers in 2026, launched The Seafarers’ Charities Forum for welfare improvement, supported amendments to the maritime labour convention, and praised the Marine Accident Investigation Branch's reports.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.