Written Question·Ministry of Defence·UIN 113441

Merchant Shipping: Crew

Tabled: 20 February 2026
Answered: 2 March 2026

Question

John McDonnell

LabourHayes and Harlington

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of maternity and paternity rights of seafarers working on merchant ships covered by the Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Commercially Managed Ships) Order

Answer

Louise Sandher-Jones
The Merchant Shipping Order provides a foundation for seafarers’ rights. For the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), these statutory measures are substantially augmented by a comprehensive suite of policies supporting all employees through every life event, offe...

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