UK Chancellor puts ports at heart of regional growth
Freeport model moves to front and centre of UK’s plan for renewed regional growth and prosperity.
The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has acknowledged the role the ports sector plays in providing high-quality jobs and prosperity, says the British Ports Association (BPA). In today’s budget, Mr Sunak announced that eight freeports will be established in England after successful bids from East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe/Harwich, Liverpool, Humber, Plymouth, Solent, Thames, and Teesside.
However, the BPA says more freeport designation will be needed elsewhere to prevent regions from losing out. Commenting on the announcement, Richard Ballantyne, CEO of the BPA, said:
“We welcome this as a first tranche of freeports in England but there will be regions that are disappointed not to have been recognised. These are an interesting selection of bids and we look forward to continuing a partnership with Ministers who rightly recognise the critical role that ports can play in anchoring prosperity and supporting important industries in our coastal communities.
“It is important that the Government now considers how it can extend many of these benefits elsewhere if it is serious about implementing its levelling up agenda. We hope that Government will keep an open mind on further bids in England and perhaps reconsider proposals for those ports not successful today…”
The BPA has promoted a policy of port zoning similar to the freeport model and says it will be publishing further comment on the UK Budget and the Chancellor’s plans shortly.
