Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freeports

Tuesday 22 June 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Chancellor announced the location of eight new English freeports in March.
  • The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is working with the freeports to establish governance structures and develop investment proposals.
  • The Department for Transport will work on improving transport links across the south-west to support the freeports.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Sheryll Murray Con
Business & Trade
Context

The establishment of new freeports in England is under discussion, with a focus on the progress made so far.

Question

What progress has been made in establishing freeports in England?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I was pleased to announce the location of eight new English freeports at the Budget in March. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is working with these freeports to establish governance structures and develop investment proposals. The government will review their proposals for investment and the deployment of tax and customs reliefs later this year.

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Q2 Sheryll Murray Con
Transport
Context

Plymouth has received freeport status, and there is a need to improve transport links across the Tamar to benefit local constituents.

Question

Will the Chancellor's Department work with the Department for Transport to ensure quick and flowing transport links across the Tamar to make the most of these opportunities?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am delighted that Plymouth has received freeport status and will work with the Department for Transport on improving transport links across the south-west. The £2.5 billion upgrade of vital road connections such as the A303, A30, and A358, along with the replacement of the Dawlish sea wall, will improve rail connectivity in the region.

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