Theresa May fails to rule out re-launching ‘floating embassy’ Britannia to boost trade
THERESA May today left the door open to re-launching the Royal Yacht Britannia to promote British trade around the world after Brexit.
MPs are calling for 'floating embassy' HMY Britannia to be re-launched
Some Tory MPs are campaigning for the yacht, decommissioned in 1997, to be a “floating embassy”.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is said to “intrigued” by the idea. And asked about the suggestion today, the Prime Minister did not rule it out.
“I recognise the proud heritage that we have. Our heritage is a trading nation,” she told journalists flying with her to a summit in New York.
“The important question for us is how do we get out there and promote Britain as being open for business, promote the interests of people investing in Britain and, for our businesses’ promote exporting overseas.
It is hoped the yacht could be used to form new trade ties following Britain's Brexit decision
David Davis: UK could exit EU before reaching trade deal
Theresa May did not rule out the return of the boat
“There’s a whole variety of ways in which we are able to do that and are doing that. I’ve created the Department for International Trade, which is out there taking that message across the world,” she said.
I recognise the proud heritage that we have. Our heritage is a trading nation
Mrs May spoke after a Downing Street official appeared to dismiss the idea.
A spokesman for the PM said the government was looking at enhancing its trade in “a number of ways”.
But he added: “As far as I’m aware, the recommissioning of Britannia is not on the agenda for that.”
Boris Johnson said he was 'intrigued' by the idea
Tory MP Jake Berry has said relaunching the yacht, moored in the Port of Leith, Edinburgh, could be a symbolic gesture.
He has said around £3billion of trade deals were secured on board between 1991 and 1995.