Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freeports: Wales

Monday 17 October 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Stephen Crabb asked about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on establishing a freeport in Wales, and the response indicated a collaboration agreement with the Welsh Government and the launch of a bidding prospectus.
  • Stephen Crabb welcomed the Minister to her position and highlighted the potential of floating offshore wind as an industrial opportunity, suggesting a freeport bid could unlock further benefits.
  • Barry Sheerman inquired about the Swansea barrage scheme, and the response invited him to discuss the matter further, acknowledging his support for Swansea.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Crabb Con
Wales Business & Trade Local Government
Context

Discussions on establishing a freeport in Wales are ongoing and involve collaboration with the Welsh Government. A bidding prospectus has been launched, and the closing date for bids is set.

Question

What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on establishing a freeport in Wales?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

We reached an agreement with the Welsh Government earlier this year to collaborate on and deliver a new freeport in Wales, which has received Cabinet approval. The bidding prospectus was launched on 1 September, with the closing date set for 24 November, and we expect to announce the successful locations in spring next year.

Answered
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Q2 Stephen Crabb Con
Climate Wales Energy
Context

The potential of floating offshore wind as an industrial opportunity in Wales is highlighted, and a collaborative bid from Port Talbot and the port of Milford Haven is under consideration.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for her answer and welcome her to her position. Floating offshore wind represents a major new industrial opportunity across the whole of the UK, but especially for us in Wales. Does my hon. Friend agree that an innovative and collaborative freeport bid would help unlock the full economic value and benefits of floating offshore wind for the south and west Wales region?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and for his passion and commitment to delivering a freeport. I know that he is a great champion for the Milford Haven bid in particular, and I look forward to sitting down with him to discuss it. The freeports programme has great potential to contribute towards achieving the Welsh and UK Governments' decarbonisation agenda and net zero ambitions.

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Q3 Barry Sheerman Lab
Climate Wales Energy
Context

The potential of the Swansea barrage scheme to provide alternative energy and make a difference for Wales is raised.

Question

I used to be a Swansea politician—I was a councillor. Is it not about time we introduced the Swansea barrage scheme, which would make a great difference to alternative energy for Wales?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

I thank the hon. Member for his question. As he is a champion for Swansea as well as Huddersfield, I would certainly be happy to sit down with him and discuss this further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific plans or discussion on introducing the Swansea barrage scheme

How: Sitting Down To Discuss

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