Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Direct Ferry Links: Scotland and Mainland Europe

12 January 2022 · 2 other contributors · 4,148 words

Opened by Kenny MacAskill Alba East Lothian

Responding minister: Iain Stewart

TransportBrexitBusiness & TradeEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kenny MacAskill raised concerns about direct ferry links: scotland and mainland europe in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Kenny MacAskill is concerned about the lack of direct ferry links between Scotland and mainland Europe due to Brexit impacts.
  • He highlights the environmental benefits of maritime transport over trucking and cites Ireland as an example of improved ferry services.
  • Mr Kenny MacAskill calls for the UK Government to establish a motorways of the sea scheme and provide state support for new maritime ventures.

Key requests to Government

Mr Kenny MacAskill calls for the UK Government to match or exceed the benefits of EU membership by establishing a motorways of the sea scheme. He also asks for state support for new maritime ventures similar to that provided for roads and railways, such as funding from the route development fund.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Kenny MacAskill Alba East Lothian

Mr Kenny MacAskill is concerned about the lack of direct ferry links between Scotland and mainland Europe. He points out that road freight has been severely impacted by driver absence, customs nightmares, and additional bureaucracy post-Brexit. The cost of fuel has also risen significantly, making it challenging for businesses to access ports far from their locations. Additionally, he highlights the environmental benefits of maritime transport over trucking and mentions that other countries have taken steps to improve ferry services while Scotland remains inactive. He cites Ireland as an example, where direct freight routes were expanded, and passenger services increased, avoiding customs backlogs and reducing road journeys.

Other contributors (2)
  • Douglas Chapman SNP Dunfermline and West Fife

    The hon. Member mentioned exports and trade, suggesting that the UK Government should have a substantial maritime support policy to support trade post Brexit, similar to the case in Ireland and the low countries. The Minister seems sidetracked by rail issues; it is crucial to focus on maritime matters. There has been significant investment in ports such as Tilbury, Teesside, and channel ports under the levelling-up agenda, yet Scotland lacks similar support. Brexit严重影响了苏格兰的出口，需要采取措施加以补救。

  • Neale Hanvey SNP Motherwell and Wishaw

    The hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife highlighted that a small investment could move the project forward, but the reluctance of the Scottish Government to do so undermines Scotland's case for independence. Asks if supporting maritime connectivity as part of a comprehensive transport strategy would be useful, even though it is small compared to HS2 investment. Requests a meeting with the Minister to discuss maritime strategy in Scotland.

Government Response

Iain Stewart

Mr Davies, it is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship. I congratulated the hon. Member for East Lothian on securing the debate and thanked other MPs for their contributions. The UK Government recognises that quality transport links are essential and we are committed to progressing connectivity throughout the entire UK and beyond through initiatives such as the Union connectivity review, which looks at key transport links by all modes, including rail, road, air, and maritime. I addressed some specifics mentioned, particularly on HS2 and the recommendation to improve the A75 from Cairnryan to the main motorway network. Regarding direct ferry links, while there is interest in improving such connections, it remains a commercial matter with existing infrastructure at Rosyth and Zeebrugge not requiring additional investment beyond potentially adding Border Force manpower for passenger and freight handling. The minister acknowledged the potential environmental benefits of fewer short-haul flights and discussed changing international shipping patterns, noting that larger vessels now tend to stop in one European port rather than serving various ports. He highlighted the Maritime 2050 strategy aimed at decarbonising maritime operations, and expressed willingness to discuss further with MPs on how to progress this ambition.

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