The chief executive of P&O Ferries has admitted the firm broke the law by choosing not to consult over the mass sacking of 800 workers on the spot.

       Peter Hebblethwaite told MPs on Thursday there was “absolutely no doubt” the company was required to consult with unions before taking action.

       “We chose not to do that because we believe -” he said before being interrupted during the parliamentary committee session. “So you chose to break the law?” an MP interjected.

       Mr Hebblethwaite continued: “We chose not to consult and we are - and will - compensate everybody in full for that.”

       Labour MP Andy McDonald said: “When you get in your car and drive on the motorway [and] see the 70mph sign, do you decide that’s not going to apply to me? I’m going to do 90 because I think it’s important that I do that? Is that how you go about your life?”

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       “No,” the P&O Ferries chief executive replied.

       Mr Hebblethwaite was questioned by with the transport select committee and the business, energy and industrial strategy committee on Thursday - a week after officers and crew were made redundant with immediate effect.

       Asked whether he was concerned that he was on breach of his legal obligations as a company director, Mr Hebblethwaite said: “So as I say, I completely throw our hands up, my hands up, that we did choose not to consult.

       “We did not believe there was any other way to do this to compensate people in full.’’