Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freeports

Wednesday 23 March 2022 · 9 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with Welsh Government on establishing freeports in Wales are ongoing and considered a priority.
  • The scheme is expected to create long-lasting sustainable jobs across the UK, particularly in areas like Ynys Mn.
  • Decisions on freeport locations in Wales are nearing conclusion, with both UK and Welsh Governments reportedly satisfied with the negotiations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jacob Young
Wales Business & Trade
Context

Discussions about establishing a freeport in Wales.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on establishing a freeport in Wales?

Answer from Simon Hart

We have had constructive discussions with the Welsh Government on the importance of establishing our freeports programme, and we continue to work closely on that as a matter of urgency.

Answered
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Q2 Mark Fletcher
Employment Wales Business & Trade
Context

Discussion on the east midlands freeport's success with investment and jobs. Questioner asks about Welsh Government support for a freeport in Ynys Môn.

Question

Does my right hon Friend agree that if the Welsh Government really cared about the people of Ynys Môn, they would support efforts to deliver a freeport, bringing more jobs and investment?

Answer from Simon Hart

My hon Friend makes an interesting point. This scheme will create long-lasting sustainable jobs across the whole UK. The decision process is nearly at an end, so the residents of Ynys Môn do not have long to wait.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the importance but does not directly address support from Welsh Government.

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Q3 Alexander Stafford
Economy Northern Ireland
Context

Inquiry about the role of freeports in enhancing prosperity, especially for north Wales.

Question

What role does my right hon Friend see for freeports in improving economic conditions, considering the problems associated with a central corridor and the working of the Northern Ireland protocol?

Answer from Simon Hart

The concept is positive; freeports are already contributing to economic recovery and net-zero ambitions. We have committed in the manifesto to at least one freeport in Wales, with potential expansion over time. The decision process is nearing conclusion.

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Q4 Jacob Young
Economy Business & Trade
Context

Discussion on the success of Teesside's first post-Brexit freeport, leading to thousands of future jobs.

Question

Does the Minister agree it is vital that we all get behind our freeport policy which will help level up and deliver change in our areas?

Answer from Simon Hart

My hon Friend makes a good point. Freeports are already a resounding success, as seen in his area. The work done there is fantastic and contributes positively to future economic prosperity.

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Q5 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Employment Transport
Context

Discussion on DP World's sacking of 800 P&O workers, questioning their involvement with freeports.

Question

Will the Secretary of State assure the House that he will not allow DP World, responsible for the shameful sacking of 800 P&O workers, anywhere near construction or operation of any freeport in the UK?

Answer from Simon Hart

The hon Lady raises a timely point. Comments by the Transport Secretary and others reassure her that if there are demonstrable transgressions, criminal prosecutions could follow. I can assure her about freeports in Wales.

Answered
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Q6 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Wales Standards & Ethics
Context

Discussion on the Welsh Government's requests for parity over decision-making, fair funding between freeports across the nation, and ethical standards being met.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree with the Welsh Government's three basic requests: parity over decision making, fair funding, and meeting ethical standards if any freeport is delivered in Wales?

Answer from Simon Hart

I hope I can assure the hon Gentleman. We are imminently to make an announcement that involves both Governments, meaning they are satisfied with this long-running negotiation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not directly address parity over decision-making or fair funding specifics.

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Q7 Hywel Williams PC
Economy Wales
Context

Inquiry on evidence that economic benefits from freeports will reach ordinary Welsh workers.

Question

Where is the Secretary of State's evidence that any of the economic benefits will reach ordinary Welsh workers rather than fat cats?

Answer from Simon Hart

The answer comes from port authorities, local authorities, stakeholders around Wales. People in his constituency are looking at the evidence for freeports and believe this to be long overdue. They are anxious that we conclude it as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not provide specific evidence of benefits reaching ordinary workers.

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Q8 Hywel Williams PC
Ukraine Wales
Context

The Welsh Conservatives, Labour and Plaid Cymru have called for an expedited visa process to ensure simple, fast, safe and legal routes to sanctuary in the UK. There is a requirement for Ukrainians to provide biometric evidence prior to leaving Ukraine.

Question

From welcoming Ukrainian refugees to safeguarding seafarers' rights, the Government consistently disappoints. The Welsh Conservatives have now joined Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru to call for an expedited visa process to ensure simple, fast, safe and legal routes to sanctuary in the UK and to remove the requirement for Ukrainians to provide biometric evidence prior to leaving Ukraine. What is being done to achieve these humanitarian aims?

Answer from Simon Hart (Minister for Wales)

Numerous conversations have been ongoing between the UK Government and the Welsh Government about the Ukraine refugee position. We are working together to try to get the best outcome in a severe humanitarian crisis, putting political differences aside. The Ukrainian ambassador is grateful for the way Wales has stepped up to resolve the problem.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or commitments on removing biometric evidence requirements and expediting visa processes were not addressed

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Q9 Alun Cairns Con
Business & Trade
Context

There is a focus on maritime ports for freeports, but inland areas like Barry port also present opportunities. The Welsh Government seeks assurance that Cardiff airport will be central to thinking.

Question

Most of the focus on the freeport opportunity has understandably been on maritime ports. Can I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the merits of Barry port? In addition, can I ask him to pay particular attention to Cardiff airport, which is closely associated with Barry port, and assure me that it will be central to his thinking?

Answer from Simon Hart (Minister for Wales)

Freeports are not necessarily confined to coastal areas; some of the best examples in the UK are inland freeports. We are trying to be as flexible as possible and look at all issues with an open mind, including Cardiff airport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurances for Barry port or detailed plans involving Cardiff airport were not provided

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