Downing Street urges P&O Ferries boss to resign after 800 sackings

Government promises legislation to force company to reverse move and pay crew minimum wage

Downing Street has called for the chief executive of P&O Ferries to resign over the sacking of 800 workers, and pledged to push through legislation next week to force the company to reverse the move and pay its crew the minimum wage.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, had earlier promised action after Peter Hebblethwaite's performance in front of the transport and business committees, which he said was brazen, breathtaking, and showed incredible arrogance".