PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Tall ship Tenacious (18 July 2024)

That this House celebrates the legacy of the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) in providing life-changing opportunities for over 55,000 people who have sailed with JST tall ships, which were purpose-built with initial funding from the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II fund, with the aim of integrating able-bodied and disabled people through tall ship ocean sailing voyages, in which no-one is a passenger and everyone works the ship; notes that the SV Tenacious, the largest wooden tall ship built in the UK for 100 years, is the only remaining tall ship in service in the world which is equipped for disabled and non-disabled crew to sail together on equal terms; recognises the deep regret at the announcement that the JST has ceased operations and the ship’s owning company put into administration as a result of financial difficulties worsened by inactivity during the pandemic; acknowledges that without this ship, which is equipped with measures such as wheelchair access, a speaking compass, visual and tactile alarms and signage in Braille, many people with differing abilities will not be able to experience the freedom of ocean sailing, regardless of physical limitations, which has, over the decades, created immeasurable cascading benefits to the lives of voyage crew, through the challenging and transformative adventure of tall ship sailing; and commends the Save Tall Ship Tenacious campaign, wishing them success in their ongoing efforts to save this unique vessel, a shining example of inclusion and equality for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Sponsored by:
Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat)