Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, John Stewart MLA, said:

“The decision by Peel Ports to detain a P&O Vessel at Liverpool port is inexcusable. We are living in unprecedented times and security of supply for goods being transported across the Irish Sea is absolutely critical. It is grossly irresponsible for Peel Ports to present a sudden demand for payment just before a ferry was meant to sail from Liverpool today with its cargo being reported as food, medicine and other supplies. Peel Ports should be engaging directly with P&O to resolve this situation as a matter of urgency.

“At the moment this has only been applied to one P&O ferry sailing to Dublin, but what guarantees are there that they won`t do this on other sailings and routes? This is the last thing we need in the middle of a global pandemic. Vital supplies for the Health Service flow through Larne and Belfast, as well as being crucial supply routes for Northern Ireland`s shops and supermarkets.

“I would urge the Government to intervene otherwise the potential ramifications could be massive. Larne Port sits in my own constituency and is owned by P&O.  Huge amounts of freight flow through it. We simply cannot afford to see a domino effect where actions by Peel Ports in Liverpool could potentially disrupt sailings directly into ports in Northern Ireland or interfere with the flow of goods through Dublin Port into Northern Ireland.

“Sea as well as air connectivity, is more critical than ever for Northern Ireland and the flow of vital goods in the middle of a public health emergency. If Peel Ports do not understand the serious implications of their actions and immediately reverse them, then our national Government needs to step in to take emergency measures to protect critical supply routes.”