Today I’ve been proud to display the Red Ensign in the window of my Fleetwood Constituency office. I did so to mark Merchant Navy Day – honouring the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars. I also wanted to highlight the significant role they play today. Merchant seafarers are responsible for 95% of the UK’s imports, including half the food we eat, plenty of the fuel we burn and virtually all the products and goods we take for granted! So thank you to the Merchant Navy both past and present.