DUBAI-based company DP World has decided to review its plans following criticism by members of Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet about its subsidiary P&O Ferries.
The government’s Investment Summit has suffered a major blow after ports and logistics giant DP World pulled a scheduled announcement of a £1bn investment in its London Gateway container port, following criticism by members of Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet.
Dubai-based company’s investment was due to be a centrepiece of Monday’s event, which is intended to showcase Britain’s appeal to investors and will be attended by the prime minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. DP World’s investment in the port is now under review however, following criticism by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner of its subsidiary P&O Ferries.
James McMurdock MP for south Basildon and east Thurrock said:
“By focusing on political point-scoring, Labour has undermined what should have been a major opportunity for Thurrock and the rest of the UK. Thurrock’s economy, in particular, stood to benefit significantly from this investment, which would have created jobs and enhanced our local infrastructure.
The Government should be working with businesses to ensure fair practices while also creating a stable and investable environment for international companies. Labour, by contrast, has failed to strike that balance, and Thurrock now may have to pay the price for their lack of coordination, tact, and economic foresight.
We need leadership that can engage constructively with businesses, protect workers’ rights, and ensure that critical investment is not put at risk by virtue-signalling. Thurrock’s economy deserves better than what Labour is offering.”