General Insurance Article - LMA takes seat on new government maritime security committee

 The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) has been asked to join a new government committee monitoring the security of UK ports and harbours.

 Neil Smith, the LMA’s head of underwriting, attended the inaugural meeting of the Department for Transport’s National Maritime Security Committee, which overseas security arrangements for UK flag vessels as well as the country’s ports and harbours.

 The committee, which meets in central London, is comprised of government officials, the Ministry of Defence, counter terrorism officers, the UK Border Agency, the Chamber of Shipping and a range of other relevant organisations.

 The committee will meet every six months with the objective of overseeing the development of maritime security policy for the UK.

 Neil Smith commented: “As an island nation, the UK has a long list of maritime security exposures, which need to be managed. The government’s decision to form this committee indicates its keenness to share information with the insurance industry and other sectors and to create a high-level forum for discussion. The LMA is pleased to have been invited to participate.”