Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freeports: Economic Impact

Wednesday 29 June 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Scotland Office are delighted that the UK Government's freeport programme is being extended to Scotland.
  • UK Government funding of up to 52 million for two new green freeports will boost Scotland's economy by regenerating communities.
  • The Department will look at what support can be given to unsuccessful areas in the freeport competition.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alexander Stafford
Economy Scotland
Context

Discussions are ongoing about the potential economic benefits and impacts of establishing two freeports in Scotland, with a focus on their contribution to the local economy.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential economic impact of building two freeports in Scotland?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Scotland Office are delighted that the UK Government's freeport programme is being extended to Scotland. UK Government funding of up to £52 million for two new green freeports will boost Scotland's economy by regenerating communities, creating high-quality jobs and supporting the transition to a net zero economy.

Answered
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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The UK Government anticipates that the existing confirmed freeports will contribute £24 billion to the UK economy. There is a concern about political division and the potential impact of a referendum on Scottish separatism.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is vital that all political parties get behind the green freeports initiative to maximise the benefits they will bring to Scotland and the whole UK, rather than a divisive, costly and unwanted referendum on Scottish separatism?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have received five competitive bids for Scottish green freeports and the two Governments are working closely together to assess the proposals. I am confident that we will announce two outstanding winners that will create highly paid jobs, help to regenerate the areas around the ports and become global and national hubs of trade, innovation and investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Divisive referendum on Scottish separatism

How: We Have Received Five Competitive Bids For Scottish Green Freeports And The Two Governments Are Working Closely Together To Assess The Proposals.

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Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Scotland
Context

There are five strong bids from across Scotland for the two proposed green freeports, each presenting a high quality case. There is concern about supporting local economies that may not be successful.

Question

Will the Minister's Department consider what support can be given to unsuccessful areas and whether that support can be widened?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

We will certainly look at that. Of course there is intense competition for the freeports, which will create huge benefits not only for the local area, but for all of Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Additional support for unsuccessful areas

How: We Will Certainly Look At That.

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