- More jobs and investment will be brought to Wales as
agreement is reached to establish a new Freeport
- Bidders must set out how the Freeport will boost the local
economy, support good-quality, secure jobs and transition to a
net-zero economy
- 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
(12 May 2022).
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.
The Prime Minister MP 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.
Amdani!
Secretary of State 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, 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.”
Welsh Secretary said:
As part of our plan to level up communities across the UK,
Freeports have the power to be truly transformational.
By creating thousands of local jobs and driving investment across
the wider economy, Freeports bring benefits and opportunities to
communities that need it most.
This is a hugely exciting announcement for Wales and I look
forward to seeing bids from as many potential sites as possible.
The governments have jointly agreed that they would be prepared
to consider the case for a further additional Freeport in Wales,
if a truly exceptional proposal were presented at the bidding
stage. The funding arrangements for an additional Freeport in
Wales would be subject to negotiation between the governments.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
This fantastic multi-million pound agreement will ensure that
Welsh communities secure the benefits of our world-leading
Freeports offer – creating jobs, driving innovation and boosting
business investment as we level up opportunity to every corner of
the UK.
Freeports will be hubs for international trade, innovation and
commerce, regenerating communities by attracting new businesses,
spreading jobs, investment and opportunity to towns and cities
across the UK.
This agreement builds on UK government’s ambitious long-term plan
to spread opportunity more equally across the whole of the UK, as
set out in the Levelling Up White Paper.
As part of this, 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.
In further plans to level up the UK, work continues towards plans
that would see a new Freeport delivered in Northern Ireland.
Further information
Further information will be made available and engagement with
interested parties will take place ahead of publication of the
prospectus.
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.
Read the letters from
Secretary of State for Levelling Up and Welsh Government Minister
for Economy setting out their agreement
to establish a new Freeport in Wales.
See the government’s landmark Levelling Up White
Paper.
