Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Ports

Thursday 23 January 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robert Goodwill asked about the suitability of the former SSI British Steel site in Teesport for a free port, to which the Minister agreed and highlighted the potential for job creation and community rejuvenation.
  • Barry Sheerman questioned whether free ports would disadvantage businesses in Huddersfield and Yorkshire, prompting the Minister to stress the importance of consultation and tailoring policies to avoid such disadvantages.
  • Stephen Crabb inquired about the risk of market distortions in free ports, to which the Minister agreed that success hinges on tailoring policies to the unique strengths of each port.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Goodwill Con Scarborough and Whitby
Economy Employment Business & Trade
Context

Discusses the blue wave in Yorkshire and the suitability of the former SSI British Steel site on the south bank of the Tees for a free port.

Question

On 12 December, a blue wave swept up the Yorkshire coast as coastal communities put their trust in the Conservatives to deliver. The Minister agrees that the former SSI British Steel site on the south bank of the Tees would be ideal not only as a deep water terminal for polyhalite fertiliser export but Britain's first free port.

Answer from Graham Stuart

My right hon Friend is correct. That blue wave allowed new thinking. The Secretary of State announced our free port policy in Teesport in August, recognising that more free ports can create jobs and rejuvenate communities. Free ports will be an important part of job creation under this Government.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Barry Sheerman Lab Huddersfield
Business & Trade
Context

Asks if the policy can be detailed further to ensure no disadvantage to businesses in Yorkshire, given that free ports are currently fashionable.

Question

Could we rise above party politics? Free ports are fashionable. Will the Minister give us more detail to persuade us they will not disadvantage businesses in Huddersfield and Yorkshire?

Answer from Graham Stuart

While a significant shift would be needed for the hon Gentleman to rise above party politics, I take his question seriously. We are consulting widely, engaging with devolved areas, and aiming to tailor policies to avoid disadvantage and ensure further job development and prosperity.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Stephen Crabb Con Preseli Pembrokeshire
Business & Trade
Context

Concerned about market distortions and displacement of activity around ports, suggests building on unique competencies.

Question

It is important that free ports do not lead to market distortions. Does the Minister agree that success lies in tailoring policies to individual port strengths, such as Milford Haven's energy expertise?

Answer from Graham Stuart

Absolutely right. We are about tailoring policy to specifics to avoid distortion and foster inward investment. This country has seen more foreign direct investment than any other European nation, lowest youth unemployment in history, and we aim for tailored free port policies without distortion.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Judith Cummins Lab Stourbridge
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Questions past free port abandonment under coalition, requests guarantees on jobs, labour rights, standards, and level playing field.

Question

As the Minister knows, free ports existed until 2012 when abandoned due to lack of evidence. Will he guarantee no job displacement, labour right erosion, or inability to meet future EU trade deal standards?

Answer from Graham Stuart

Labour should recognise Brexit opportunities instead of always talking down the country. We will not be in the customs union as before 2012, and we are developing ambitious free ports to ensure towns can benefit from trade opportunities. Tailored approach avoiding distortion is key.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)