SEA SUNDAY 2011 AND SEAFARERS' WELFARE

Early day motion 2000, tabled 27 June 2011 by Jim Dobbin (Labour). Signed by 37 members.

That this House, in recalling Britain's proud maritime heritage, notes our continued reliance on seafarers with over 95 per cent. of the UK's imports and exports travelling by sea; acknowledges the inherent problems afflicting many thousands of merchant seafarers, including low pay, poor morale, mental and physical illness and separation from family for lengthy periods of time; further notes that these problems are compounded by exploitative employers sailing under flags of convenience and the growing threat of piracy with approximately 600 seafarers currently held captive by Somali pirates; congratulates the national Catholic charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, on its work in meeting the welfare and pastoral needs of seafarers, regardless of their faith, and being an effective advocate for seafarers' welfare; hopes that this vital work will receive renewed support from the presentations, prayers and collections associated with Sea Sunday on 10 July 2011; and urges the Government to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 without further delay and ensure that the rights enshrined therein are given real force.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Conservative 2, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.