MP ‘humbled’ by response to call for national day of remembrance for lost trawlermen

‘THIS IS LONG OVERDUE’: Karl Turner MP

An MP has welcomed the Government’s response to calls for a national day of remembrance for lost trawlermen.

East Hull Labour MP Karl Turner led a debate in Parliament on Monday night calling on Hull’s annual Lost Trawlermen’s Day service to be adopted nationally, as a moment to reflect on all lives lost in the fishing industry.

The Hull day of remembrance is held on the last Sunday in January, and usually takes place on or near the bullnose on St Andrew’s Dock, which trawlers sailed past on their journeys to the fishing grounds.

More than 6,000 men and boys lost their lives at sea sailing from Hull to put food on the nation’s tables since the 19th century, most of whom have no grave. Hull was once home to the largest deep water fishing fleet in the world, and fishing was the UK’s most dangerous occupation of the last century.

The perils of the industry and the loss felt by families in Hull was experienced by fishing communities across the country, prompting calls for the city’s annual service to be expanded nationally.

Responding in the debate, Maritime Minister Robert Courts MP committed to “explore” the proposal further and engage with Mr Turner and other supportive MPs to take the idea forward. 

Speaking after the debate, Mr Turner said: “An official day to remember those who paid the ultimate price to put the national dish on the table is long overdue, so I’m delighted the Government have committed to taking this forward.

“I have been humbled and moved by the messages of support, both from cross-party MPs representing fishing communities, and people in our city who are fully behind this campaign.

“This is a massive part of our shared story that has been under-recognised for far too long, but by following Hull’s lead we can begin to change that.”