Dutch shipping companies’ hopes that parliament would sanction the use of private security guards on Dutch ships as protection against piracy were dashed on Wednesday night when Labour MPs refused to back the plan.

Labour MPs say the move is too drastic a step and is unnecessary, pointing out that no ships were seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia last year.

The cabinet – made up of VVD and Labour ministers – had wanted to allow shipping firms to place armed guards on their ships by changing the law.

The ships are currently protected by the navy but shipping firms say that is too expensive and inflexible.