Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chairman of DP World, canceled his plans to attend the summit after ministers from P&O Ferries, a subsidiary firm, criticized the proposed investment, according to news reports on Friday.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh called for a boycott of P&O Ferries, which unilaterally fired 800 seafarers in March 2022, as a “rogue operator” on Wednesday.
As DP World was getting ready to approve the £1 billion investment in London, her remarks deeply offended the company’s executives.
Sir Keir Starmer slapped Ms. Haigh in an attempt to save the day, claiming that the government did not agree with her. It is believed that Downing Street and the Foreign Office were involved in attempts to mend fences.
Before a dispute with ministers cast doubt on the flagship announcement, DP World told News that Mr. bin Sulayem would be attending the ceremony in London and that it is believed the investment would be confirmed as scheduled.
