P&O Ferries owner DP World loses status as partner in Solent freeport

Exclusive: ministers confirm Emirati logistics giant no longer has central role after anger at sacking of 800 workers

The Dubai-based owner of P&O Ferries has lost its status as a formal partner in one of the government's biggest freeport projects, after widespread public anger over the firing without notice of 800 workers last month.

Ministers have confirmed that DP World, the Emirati logistics giant behind P&O, no longer had a central role as a partner" in the Solent freeport after the resignation of its UK commercial director from the scheme's board last week.