5 November 2026
The Forum’s focus reflects unique position of industry at intersection of maritime and visitor economies
MPs and Members of the House of Lords launched a new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) dedicated to the UK cruise industry this week (3rd November).
The group will focus on growing the benefits of cruise across the UK, supporting jobs, businesses and communities, while exploring how policy can strengthen the UK’s competitiveness in the international cruise industry, from skills and decarbonisation to tourism and regional growth.
More than 20 MPs and Peers have joined the group, drawn from across the political spectrum and from communities across the UK. Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey has been elected as the group’s Chair, with former Maritime Minister Lord Davies of Gower and Llinos Medi MP being elected as Vice Chairs.
“I’m delighted to chair this new APPG, bringing parliamentarians and industry together to build on the industry’s success in the UK and address the challenges ahead. The group will provide an important forum to discuss how we can strengthen the industry, support our ports and deliver greater benefits for coastal communities across the UK.”, commented Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cruise.
“Cruise plays an important role in communities across the UK, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses. Nowhere is that more evident than in Southampton. Our port is at the heart of the UK cruise industry, whilst several international cruise lines are headquartered in the city supporting thousands of local jobs”.
The cross-party group, the first to focus specifically on the cruise industry, will champion the contribution cruise makes to the UK economy and its role in supporting growth in coastal communities. Cruise ships visit more than 50 ports and destinations around the country, while the industry supports more than 69,000 jobs across the UK.
The APPG will encourage direct dialogue with industry leaders and experts. It will also provide a forum for engagement with Ministers and civil servants on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
“The cruise industry is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the UK’s maritime and visitor economies, with huge potential to support the Government’s growth agenda. Building on the UK Government’s Cruise Growth Plan published last year, this new group will provide an important forum for parliamentarians and industry to discuss key priorities including decarbonisation, skills and destination stewardship, and the policies needed to support the sector’s continued growth,” commented Andy Harmer, Executive Director, Cruise Lines International Association in the UK.
“We are delighted to support the APPG’s members with their new forum that can work to grow cruise sustainably, bringing even greater benefits to communities, businesses and destinations across the UK.”
For more information, contact the APPG’s secretariat on (CruiseAPPG@cruising.org).
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will act as the group’s secretariat.