Grant Shapps sounded terribly pleased with his nine-point response to the P&O Ferries debacle, but it is hard to see how any of the transport secretary’s measures will force the company to reinstate the 800 workers it sacked without consultation a fortnight ago, which seemed the government’s aim only a few days ago.
The toughest new policy will create powers to block ferries with crews paid less than the minimum wage from British ports. The Harbours Act of 1965 will be revised via primary legislation; until then, port operators will be told to refuse access to non-compliant ferries.
