Today I had the honour and privilege of being invited by the Mayor and Councillors of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to join them as they marked the Flying of the Red Ensign for the Merchant Navy Day.

The Red Ensign, known affectionately as the 'Red Duster,' is flown at a multitude of locations ashore, including historic properties, parish and town council offices, church towers, and village greens across the UK. It highlights the indispensable role of merchant seafarers - past, present, and future.

Merchant Navy Day was established in 2000 by HM Government and is remembered on 3rd September each year, the anniversary of the start of the Second World War. This day also marks the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant ship lost in the Second World War.

It provides an opportunity to celebrate and honour the many courageous men and women who serve or have served as merchant seafarers. Their bravery kept supply lines open during two World Wars. They also played a crucial role in maintaining the supply chain during the COVID-19 crisis. Merchant seafarers are indispensable, handling the shipping of over 95% of the UK’s trade.

On Merchant Navy Day we remember this often forgotten community of hard working seafarers who sacrifice months of being away from loved ones, who encounter dangers at sea and often experience substandard working conditions.