Coastal areas demand £1bn Covid ‘kick-start’

In a letter submitted to the chancellor Rishi Sunak, they say the money could create almost 74,000 jobs, helping “economically at-risk” communities.

It warned that “without investment, this opportunity will be missed, and the UK will risk losing its position as a world leader in maritime.

The government has said it is already supporting “millions of firms” through the pandemic.

But, speaking at a Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson added that he would endeavour to make the UK a “world leader” in green energy.

He announced £160m of investment in ports and factories to increase electricity generation from offshore wind.

Trade group Maritime UK, which coordinated the letter, has urged the government to consider a “more ambitious” approach.

A Treasury spokesperson said:

“Our support for business has reached, and continues to reach, millions of firms.

“The Job Support Scheme is designed to protect jobs in businesses facing lower demand over the winter due to Covid, and is just one form of support on offer to employers during this difficult period.”

“We’re also continuing to innovate in supporting incomes and employment through our Plan for Jobs announced in July, helping employees get back to work through a £1,000 retention bonus and creating new roles for young people with our Kickstart scheme.”