Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has continued her anti-piracy campaign in Parliament.
In the Commons today, Caroline grilled Transport Ministers on the economic impact of piracy, to stress the need for swift action to tackle the threat to UK shipping. She asked:
"What estimate he has made of the economic impact of piracy in the Gulf of Aden?"
The question follows the Department for Transport's development of draft proposals on the use of armed guards on ships. These proposals have been welcomed by the shipping community, yet questions remain about when the regulations will be implemented.
With Shipping Minister Mike Penning confirming that piracy has a "significant effect" on the economic security of UK shipping, Caroline was keen to stress the need for armed guard regulation to come into force quickly. Speaking after the questions, Caroline said:
"It is vital that ministers and parliamentarians recognise the hugely detrimental effect of piracy both on the safety and economic security of UK shipping. I welcome the Department for Transport's proposals to allow armed guards on board ships, and hope that the regulations come into force soon in order to protect our shippers against the blight of piracy in our oceans".
The question is part of Caroline's long-standing campaign for action on piracy, which has included chairing a major summit with Foreign Minister Henry Bellingham on the issue.
