CALL FOR STATE TO RUN P&O FERRIES

Plea follows fresh safety concerns over vessels

- GRAHAM HISCOTT

P&O Ferries should be taken into public ownership if a "fit and proper" operator cannot be found quickly, the TUC said as fresh safety concerns were raised over another of the company's vessels.

A P&O ferry on the Dover to Calais route remained detained yesterday after "additional deficiencies” were found during a reinspection.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said there were issues with safety systems and crew documentation for the Pride of Kent.

With the Pride of Britain also held in Dover, the TUC claimed there were significant concerns" about P&O's ability to operate safely.