Brexit analysis: Government pledges to double UK fleet flying under the Red Duster

On 11th September 2017, the UK Government published a statement on the size of the UK fleet flying the Red Duster. See original report here

The Red Duster is the civil ensign of the United Kingdom, flown by the merchant navy. It is a symbol of our trading around the world.

If this can be achieved, it will be good for the UK, serving to improve the international trade and competiveness. Boosting trade and exports ultimately creates jobs and boosts the UK economy.

However, this does not replace the amount of EU trade that a bad Brexit deal will cost the UK. As a nation, while “bad deal Brexit” or “no deal Brexit” might still be possible outcomes, we desperately need a far more ambitious vision of our place in the world, and how we will do business.

Flying the British flag as a merchant ship does offer some benefits:

• Tax breaks
• Royal Navy protection
• Consular support

While these are good steps, far more needs to be done to protect the future of the UK economy.