Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has been confirmed as a Trustee of Seafarers UK today (8 December 2020).
Nus has been a strong advocate for seafarers throughout the pandemic and she is keen to support Seafarers' UK work, especially on better mental health provisions for those who work at sea.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Nus called for seafarers to be granted the status of key workers. She has written articles for the Telegraph, the Guardian and City AM and spoken in Chamber to highlight the humanitarian crisis, with nearly half a million seafarers trapped at sea by Covid restrictions.
Tragically, a number of suicides amongst seafarers have been reported around the world, and suicide attempts onboard ships stranded offshore or in port are on the rise.
Nus Ghani said: “We are an island nation and rely on seafarers for all our industries as well as stocking our supermarket shelves. Seafarers work in some of the world’s toughest conditions to satisfy global demand and ensure the delivery of all of the goods that we depend on for our survival, most notably our food, medicines and fuel. Seafarers across the UK often feel isolated, and often lack the resources for food, accommodation or health services once they are no longer serving at sea. It is vital that we support our seafarers, especially during this unprecedented time.”
“Seafarers UK are a fantastic charity, and I am thrilled to be joining them as a Trustee. I know that many Wealden residents have family members or are themselves seafarers and I am pleased to help shed a light on this hidden workforce.”
Nus' articles on the topic can be accessed via the following links:
- The Guardian, 27 November 2020: "Shopping on Black Friday? Remember the stranded seafarers who make it possible" - Available here.
- CITY A.M., 9 July 2020: "They've kept our shelves stocked, now it's time to stand up for our seafarers" - Available here.
- The Telegraph, 24 June 2020: "As a global maritime power, we must show post-Brexit Britain means business" - Available here.
