Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freeports

Wednesday 5 July 2023 · 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 Secretary of State announced two successful freeports in Wales-the Celtic freeport and Anglesey freeport-each receiving 26 million in Government funding.
  • The two new freeports will help to level up north-west and south-west Wales, bringing new high-skilled jobs to the regions.
  • The Secretary of State and his team regularly meet with stakeholders to discuss FLOWMIS and the necessary infrastructure for the Celtic sea freeport.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Flick Drummond Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the progress and discussions related to establishing freeports in Wales.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the delivery of freeports in Wales?

Answer from James Davies

The Secretary of State was delighted recently to announce two successful freeports in Wales—the Celtic freeport and Anglesey freeport—which will each be supported by £26 million of Government funding. We have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the delivery of the two Welsh freeports, which we aim to bring into operation as soon as possible.

Answered
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Q2 Flick Drummond Con
Wales Business & Trade
Context

The MP supports a Solent freeport and wants to ensure that the two freeport bids in Wales move ahead swiftly.

Question

Can my hon. Friend assure me that he is doing everything he can to ensure that the two freeport bids in Wales move ahead swiftly to benefit the communities they serve?

Answer from James Davies

I certainly can. The two new freeports will help to level up north-west and south-west Wales and bring new high-skilled jobs to successful areas. They will become drivers of growth and employment in their areas, acting as hubs for regeneration, innovation and global trade.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for assurance on swift progress was not addressed with a concrete timeline or action plan.

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Q3 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlights the importance of FLOWMIS to support infrastructure development for floating offshore wind manufacturing in the port.

Question

What steps is the Secretary of State taking with Cabinet colleagues to secure FLOWMIS to maximise the benefits of the Celtic sea freeport?

Answer from James Davies

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about that. He may also be aware of yesterday's announcement of the leasing area in the Celtic sea for floating offshore wind. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular meetings with stakeholders, as do I, about FLOWMIS and the necessary infrastructure to bring that into being.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding securing FLOWMIS was not addressed with concrete steps or timeline.

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