Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tees Freeport: Net Zero

Tuesday 28 February 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alex Cunningham asked the Minister about discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the Tees freeport's role in achieving net zero targets.
  • Cunningham expressed concern about being unable to access direct briefings from the Tees Mayor and relying on third-party information for updates on the site.
  • The Minister highlighted the importance of coordination across government and local authorities in supporting the UK's net zero efforts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Climate Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the potential role of the Tees freeport in meeting UK's net zero goals. The MP seeks clarity on how discussions with Cabinet colleagues address this issue.

Question

If he will have discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential contribution of the Tees freeport to meeting the UK's net zero targets.

Answer from Graham Stuart

I continue to discuss with colleagues the contribution that all parts of the country can make to help meet the UK's net zero targets, including freeports. I was delighted to visit last year and see the transformation being delivered by Mayor Houchen. For instance, SeAH Wind's £400 million factory investment for offshore wind monopiles will sit alongside the £107 million South Bank Quay on the Tees.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about discussions with Cabinet colleagues was not directly addressed

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Q2 Alex Cunningham Lab
Economy Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP expresses concern over lack of direct access to information about the Tees freeport and questions the delivery of promised jobs despite substantial investment.

Question

We will see what that transformation really brings. I am actually blocked out from any face-to-face briefings by the Tees Mayor, even from his social media, so I have to rely on news releases and third parties for information about the site, thus my question today. It is absolutely critical that the Government work across Whitehall to support this initiative and ensure that the benefits derived are delivered to the community with well-paid jobs in the net zero sector, not just profits for a few local businesspeople. Can the Minister confirm that, despite countless promises of 30,000 jobs, just one company has so far signed a contract to set up premises at the Tees freeport?

Answer from Graham Stuart

I have known the hon. Gentleman for a long time, so it is disappointing to hear his words. He is right to say that we need co-ordination across Government, including local government, and that is why it was particularly disappointing—and I hope the hon. Gentleman would condemn them—that Labour councillors voted against plans to bring £18 million of investment to Teesside. They voted against the establishment of a new body that would bring £18 million of investment to Middlesbrough.

Not addressed: The specific ask about job promises was not addressed

How: Labour Councillors Voting Against Plans

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