Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Green Freeports

Wednesday 16 March 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Evans asked about the impact of establishing two green freeports in Scotland and was told the UK Government supports economic growth in Scotland through such policies.
  • The Minister stated that the UK Government's investment of up to 52 million and tax benefits will attract private sector investment to Scotland.
  • Alison Thewliss questioned whether the Government would review their freeports policy in light of an upcoming economic crime Bill, to which the Minister dismissed the query as ridiculous and referenced a letter from a Scottish Government Minister.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Economy Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP is inquiring about discussions regarding the economic implications of establishing two green freeports in Scotland.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact on the Scottish economy of establishing two green freeports in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues on all relevant UK Government policies that support economic growth in Scotland. The landmark agreement between Scotland's two Governments to establish two new UK freeports will support the regeneration of communities in Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of establishing two green freeports in Scotland

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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Economy Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP is questioning the potential benefits of establishing two freeports in Scotland, citing an example from the East Midlands.

Question

Freeports are a real opportunity to bolster the UK's economy. In the east midlands we have a freeport that is bringing 60,000 jobs and green investment. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that will be the case if two freeports go ahead in Scotland? Does that not demonstrate levelling up across the UK and our Union?

Answer from Alister Jack

Everyone who cares about Scotland's prosperity will welcome the additional UK Government investment of up to £52 million, on top of the massive tax and customs benefits to the Scottish economy, drawing in more private sector investment. I would have thought that all parties in Scotland would have welcomed the opportunities and jobs that will flow from the new freeports in Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether two freeports in Scotland would bring similar benefits as those seen elsewhere, focusing instead on welcoming the investment and opportunity without concrete comparison

How: Changing Subject To Criticism Of Snp Government'S Coalition Partners

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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
Economy Taxation Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is questioning the government's stance on reviewing their freeports policy given the potential for tax dodging and economic crime.

Question

Freeports around the world have long had an association with tax dodging and economic crime. In light of the Government's responsibility to bring forward an economic crime Bill No. 2, will they review their freeports policy?

Answer from Alister Jack

That is an utterly ridiculous question. I received a letter from a Scottish Government Minister saying that freeports were a “tarnished brand” reminiscent of smuggling and tax evasion, just before they signed up to our policy.

Not addressed: Did not address the need for reviewing freeports policy in light of economic crime concerns

How: Attacking The Question As Ridiculous, Changing Subject To Criticism Of A Scottish Government Minister

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