£26 million deal struck for new Welsh Freeport
A Welsh Freeport will be backed by £26 million in UK government funding, delivering on plans to level up whole of UK
An agreement has been reached between the UK and Welsh governments to collaborate and deliver a new Freeport in Wales.
Backed by millions in UK government funding, the Freeport will support the regeneration of communities in Wales by attracting new businesses, jobs and investment, as well as growing the Welsh economy.
Bidders must show how they will create high-quality employment opportunities offering good salaries and conditions and meet the governments’ shared climate change commitments to reach net zero by 2050.
In another landmark step in cooperation, officials from UK and Welsh governments will jointly assess the bids in a fair and transparent selection process to ensure that the best possible sites come forward and that it delivers the maximum benefits to communities across Wales.
Prime minister Boris Johnson said: “Wales has a proud history of harnessing international trade and investment to grow its economy and generate decent jobs and opportunities.
“Two of the largest coal-exporting ports in the world were in Wales in the last century and I’ve no doubt that a modern day Freeport could prove equally effective as gateways to high skill and high wage employment and prosperity if they capture the best of the country’s sense of creativity, drive and ambition.”
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove said: “I am delighted that Wales is the latest area in the UK set to benefit from a new Freeport.
“The UK government’s ambitious Freeports agenda will help to level up our coastal communities and create new opportunities for people right across the country.
“Together with the Welsh Government, I look forward to seeing innovative proposals come forward that demonstrate tangible benefits for the people of Wales.
Wales’ economy minister, Vaughan Gething said: “Following considerable engagement between our governments, I’m pleased we have been able to reach agreement with UK ministers to establish Freeports in Wales. The agreement we have reached is fair to Wales, and respects the Welsh government’s responsibilities in devolved policy areas.
However, we have made it clear to the UK government that a Freeport will only be implemented if it can be demonstrated, using robust evidence and analysis, that it will support our fair work agenda and deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for Wales, and value for money for Welsh taxpayers.
“I very much hope that the UK government’s willingness to work with the Welsh Government as equals on Freeports can provide a positive model for future co-operation between our governments on other initiatives.”
Wales has received £121 million through the Levelling Up Fund, £46 million through the Community Renewal Fund and £464,258 from the Community Ownership Fund.
The government continues towards plans that would see a new Freeport delivered in Northern Ireland.
Freeports are special areas within the UK’s borders where different economic and customs regulations apply. Freeports are sites centred around one or a combination of air, rail, or seaport, within an encompassing outer boundary. See more information on Freeports.
The location of 8 Freeports in England was previously announced by the UK government.
