We welcome the Committee’s recognition of the importance of the maritime sector to the regional and national UK economies. UK maritime is vital to the prosperity of the country, whether through its essential part in enabling the flow of goods, creating jobs and providing world class training opportunities, attracting investment from partners across the globe or being a driver for levelling-up our coastal communities. The Government’s commitment to the maritime sector and to delivering Maritime 2050 is as strong as ever, and we recognise the importance that maintaining our excellent relationships with the sector will play in delivering the strategy’s shared vision.