Grant Shapps revealed minutes of a meeting with DP World group chairman and chief executive Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem during a trip to Dubai.

He did so after questions were asked in parliament about how much the transport secretary knew about P&O Ferries’ plan to illegally sack 800 workers.

Minutes of the meeting, held at Dubai World Expo, record Sulayem as saying:

“In respect of our ferry business, there’s a new low-cost competitor from Irish Ferries. This poses challenges in respect of P&O’s operations.”

Shapps replied: “I’m aware of the issues relating to P&O. I recognise you will need to make commercial decisions, but please do keep us informed.”

The minutes, some of which are redacted, record what is said to be the only other reference to P&O Ferries.

Sulayem said DP World planned to invest in the UK as the pandemic retreated.

“We make a significant amount of income from the passenger side of our business, even though it only makes up around 30% of total business, because the margins are so tight on the cargo side.”

Shapps told him: “I appreciate everything you’ve done to support P&O.”

Shapps has since said the first time he was aware of P&O Ferries’ actions was when he was speaking in a debate on Thursday, the day the sackings took place.