Members of Maritime UK have briefed MPs ahead of a Parliamentary debate on piracy.

The debate follows the publication in December 2011 of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee’s report into piracy of the coast off Somalia.  Clearly the debate on piracy has shifted since the report was published, and Maritime UK has paid tribute to the Prime Minister’s international leadership in bringing the global community together for a conference earlier this year.

Nonetheless, the maritime sectors remain concerned as to the noises coming from Government on the payment of ransoms, and has explained to dozens of MPs in written and telephone briefings that whilst a debate is always welcome, the shipping community should be able to take steps necessary to secure the protection of their seafarers.

You can read Maritime UK’s updated Briefing Paper on Maritime Security and Defence here.

** Update ** The debate has now taken place – and you can read the Hansard report here