Ministers have been asked to consider how regional ports such as Poole could support trade, tourism and travel after the Barfleur’s final sailing to Cherbourg. The future of ferry services across the Channel from Poole has been raised in Parliament. Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, asked ministers to support the possible return of services after the final sailing on the Barfleur route, which had linked Poole and Cherbourg for 34 years. She told the House of Commons it was "a very sad day" for residents and businesses that had used the route for decades, and said passenger and
The future of ferry services across the Channel from Poole has been raised in Parliament.
Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, asked ministers to support the possible return of services after the final sailing on the Barfleur route, which had linked Poole and Cherbourg for 34 years.
She told the House of Commons it was "a very sad day" for residents and businesses that had used the route for decades, and said passenger and freight numbers had fallen.
Ms Slade pointed to post Brexit paperwork, food export restrictions and the 90 in 180 day travel rule for UK citizens in Europe as pressures affecting international ferry operators.
She asked the Prime Minister to ensure UK and European Union talks recognise the role regional ports play in trade, tourism and international connections.
The Prime Minister called it a "really important point" and said the Minister for Europe would arrange a meeting with Ms Slade to discuss the issue further.
Ms Slade said she would continue pressing ministers to remove barriers to travel and trade, while making the case for Dorset’s ports and their place in the regional economy.
See more at vikkislade.uk.
