The Autumn Statement wasn’t the only major event in Westminster last week as colleagues came together from across the major ports of the United Kingdom.
We shared the 30th anniversary of the UK Major Ports Group – and appointed a new Chairman in Henrik Lundgaard Pedersen. Guests also took the time to recognise the efforts of outgoing Chair Charles Hammond OBE.
It was great to welcome the new Maritime Minister Lord Davies for his inaugural speech in his new role. Lord Davies, joined by Mark Harper, spoke graciously about the role of the major ports in the UK economy. We also hosted Shadow Minister Without Portfolio Nick Thomas-Symonds and Mike Kane MP alongside Ministers and Secretaries of State from around the Cabinet table who spent the evening with us.
Lord Davies of Gower 
Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP 
Charles Hammond OBE & Henrik Pedersen 
Geraint Evans, Henrik Pedersen, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP & Charles Hammond OBE
It was fantastic to see so many colleagues from across Parliament with MPs and Lords from all parties and colleagues from across Government – DfT, DLUHC, DBT, Scottish Government, Northern Ireland Office, CCHQ and Cabinet Office joining us to celebrate.
My thanks to everyone who came along and made it a special evening of celebration – my thanks also go to former chairmen and executive teams, as we look forward to another 30 years with ports central to a growing British economy