Liberal Democrats call for Kent County Council to Champion the Merchant Navy and Fly the Red Ensign
The Liberal Democrat Group has put a motion to Kent County Council supporting the Merchant Navy.
The motion, proposed by Group Leader Antony Hook and seconded by County Councillor for Cheriton, Sandgate and Hythe East Tim Prater, calls for recognition of Merchant Navy Day on the 3rd of September.
The 3rd of September is Merchant Navy Day, to mark the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant casualty of the Second World War. The United Kingdom relies on seafarers to transport over 90% of imports, including vital supplies, fuel, and half of all food consumed.
Speaking about the motion, Antony Hook, Leader of the Opposition and proposer of the motion, highlighted the importance of protecting and honouring seafarers:
"Given Kent’s geographical position as the Gateway to the UK and its deep economic ties to the sea, Kent County Council has a distinct civic duty to visibly recognise and champion the contribution of the Merchant Navy. Modern merchant seafarers are the unsung heroes of our economy, often facing dangerous, uncomfortable conditions, extended periods away from their families, and increasing global security risks to keep our imports, exports and wider supply chains functioning. It is vital that operators utilising Kent’s ports adhere to high standards of fair pay, safe working conditions, and job security for their crews."
The motion outlines several key steps for the Council, including recognising Merchant Navy Day and officially supporting it on the 3rd of September each year.
The Lib Dems call for the flying of the Red Ensign: Calling for the official flag of the British Merchant Navy to be flown alongside the Union Flag at Sessions House, Maidstone, and other KCC civic buildings on September 3rd annually. This has happened at KCC in some years but not consistently.
The motion calls for the Chairman of the Council host a flag-raising ceremony, inviting local maritime charities, sector companies, trade unions representing Kent seafarers, and other appropriate organisations to discuss issues facing Kent seafarers.
The Lib Dem proposals include asking KCC to ensure education and skills teams actively highlight the broader maritime sector and maritime careers to young people as part of the local economic growth strategy.
Kent boasts a proud and extensive maritime heritage with ports at Dover, Folkestone, Ramsgate, Sheerness, and others having a historical or ongoing cornerstone role in the local and UK economy.
There are an estimated 24,550 working UK seafarers, with a significant number living in Kent, alongside many others working in jobs connected to ports and maritime transport. The county also hosts related training facilities, including the National Maritime Training Centre at Gravesend.
Tim Prater said:
"The modern Merchant Navy faces unprecedented contemporary challenges, including global economic difficulties and severe geopolitical security threats to international shipping lanes. The sacrifices made by Merchant Navy crews during both World Wars and other conflicts since 1945 must never be forgotten, and recent years have highlighted the urgent need to protect seafarers' rights.
"The Seafarers Charity currently leads a national campaign calling on local authorities and public bodies to fly the Red Ensign ashore on September 3rd. Several hundred councils in the UK, including Dover District Council, Faversham Town Council, and Sevenoaks District Council in Kent, already recognize Merchant Navy Day. "