North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has today highlighted the benefits of Freeports in the UK and urged the Welsh Government to engage with those working to develop an Anglesey Holyhead Freeport proposal.
Last year, the UK Government announced its intention to establish at least ten new Freeports post-Brexit, prompting Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, to put together a non-political Consortium, which is developing a bid to make Anglesey a Freeport with Holyhead the primary entry/exit point. Speaking in today’s meeting of the Welsh Government, Mr Isherwood highlighted the benefits of a North Wales Freeport and urged Ministers to engage with those involved in developing the Anglesey proposal.
Raising the matter with the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, Lesley Griffiths MS, he said:
“Trade experts and industry leaders have welcomed the return of Freeports to the UK, and food-processing, confectionary, alcoholic drinks and textile sectors may stand to gain most.
“UK Trade deals offer a boost to Welsh businesses where, for example, Anglesey sea Salt, Welsh lamb, Conwy mussels, and Vale of Clwyd Denbigh plum are among 15 iconic Welsh products that could be protected in Japan for the first time as part of the UK-Japan trade deal.
“The UK Government is establishing 10 or more Freeports around the UK and wants to establish Freeports in each UK nation.
“This will require a joined-up approach with businesses, communities, Local Authorities and the Welsh Government all coming on board.
“The UK Freeport model encompasses a broad set of measures to stimulate economic activity while creating jobs and having a regenerative effect on ports’ local communities and economies.
“How will you therefore engage with the Anglesey Freeport Steering Group, with members from Ynys Môn and across North Wales, working to develop an Anglesey Holyhead Freeport proposal?”
In her response, the Minister said that a decision on a freeport in Wales could not be taken as the Welsh Government have not heard back from the UK Government.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Isherwood said: .
“I didn’t ask for a decision, I asked about engagement, and I therefore regret that the Minister chose not to respond to this”.