Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government has taken to help ensure the safety of (a) passengers and (b) crew on ferries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials and I have engaged all parts of the maritime sector throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic and continue to do so. The Government has produced a wide range of guidance for the safety of passengers and crew. We have also worked closely with Public Health England and the Department for Health and Social Care to ensure ferry operators have access to guidance that provides advice on reducing the risk for passengers and crew helping to ensure their safety. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has also provided a range of advice and measures to support the ongoing safe operation of lifeline and other ferry services.

The Department also welcomes the recent publication of guidance by the UK Chamber of Shipping which provides further industry led advice on how passenger ferries can continue to operate safely during the phased lifting of restrictions.