Louise Haigh MP, Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, commenting on the announcement of funding for ferry operators between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, said:

“Labour backed calls for support and this limited announcement is welcome, but the UK Government must go much further to safeguard regional connectivity.

“The next step has to be support for hauliers, who keep vital supplies moving and who are under serious pressure on Irish Sea routes.

“And it is over a fortnight since NI airports warned support was needed ‘within days’; every day of delay puts them under further strain. The UK Government must act to ensure this public health crisis does not become a long-term crisis for regional connectivity.”