P&O Ferries: 'We cannot allow this to stand' says MP Jonathan Reynolds

The Government 'should have moved' to stop under-fire P&O Ferries from sacking 800 of its staff in advance, a Greater Manchester MP said. Labour shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, the MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, said: "We cannot allow this to stand because this becomes the template for how these things are done in the UK from now on."

His comments come as the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, confirmed P&O could face 'criminal prosecution and unlimited fines' over its handling of the redundancies, with the Insolvency Service examining the matter.

Mr Shapps said: "For our part we're reviewing all Government contracts with P&O Ferries as a matter of urgency and with DP World and, where possible, we're looking to use other providers if indeed there are any contracts where the UK Government is involved. I believe at this point that they have been historic in nature rather than current."

The ferry giant last week made 800 crew members redundant across its entire fleet to be replaced by agency workers. The company said it was not currently a 'viable business' and was facing losses of around £100m. Ferries have been at port ever since, amid questions over the legality of the redundancies.

The move sparked fury from Greater Manchester MPs with Angela Rayner, Labour's deputy leader, calling on the Government to urgently step in and save jobs and Mike Kane, the Wythenshawe and Sale East MP, blasting 'absolutely disgusting and callous behaviour' after video footage emerged of the moment seafarers were told the news.

Government ministers knew about P&O Ferries' plan to slash the jobs before staff were informed, but were told by officials it would ensure the firm remained 'a key player in the UK market for years to