The boss of P&O Ferries has said he is deeply sorry for sacking hundreds of British seafarers and replacing them with cheaper overseas workers on £4.87 an hour. Peter Hebblethwaite, chief executive, said the decision to dismiss the seafarers in 2022, while “legal,” was “one that I wish we had never had to make in the first place”. Without it, P&O would not have survived, he maintained, though the company would not repeat its actions in the future. Mr Hebblethwaite said: “I regret it and I am deeply sorry for the impact it had on 786 seafarers and their families. Let me be absolutely clear: we would not make that decision again.” P&O came under fire after sacking almost 800 seafarers in March 2022 and replacing them with agency staff without carrying out a consultation. Speaking in front of MPs on the business and trade committee, Mr Hebblethwaite said on Tuesday he considered refusing a £183,000 bonus following the dismissals, before opting to take it anyway. He said: “I reflected on accepting that payment, but ultimately I did decide to accept it. I do recognise that is not a decision that everybody would have made.” Mr Hebblethwaite said P&O will...