Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:07 pm on 17 May 2022.
Okay, so on your final point, it depends which blockages you refer to. We've just had a conversation about the environmental impact, and it depends what other blockages are being referred to, whether it's pre deployment or, actually, the ability to manufacture and generate at scale, and where the interest is from companies. We do know that there is a range of companies already looking at deploying tidal stream turbines—companies from Wales as well. So, we're very keen to see that move forward, because, as I say, we want to generate—. The reason I'm making this statement today is because this is about focusing on the economic benefit from generating power in a much cleaner way. If the Member wants to have a more focused discussion on potential blockages, I'd be happy to have that discussion with him and partners in and around Anglesey, where I know that there is lots of potential.
On your point about free ports, the Welsh Government was never going to agree to a process where free ports in Wales were funded to a lesser degree than free ports in England. We were very clear about that. We've been consistent in our ask, and we've managed to negotiate something that meets our objectives. I would just say, Dirprwy Lywydd, that within the Chamber today a number of people have been championing their own local ports as beneficiaries of any free ports competition. I understand why Members will do that. The agreement at present is that the UK Government are only prepared to fund one free port in Wales, but there is a potential opportunity if more than one compelling case is made that it may be possible for it to happen. And there are strong cases made in the north and the south-west, and others I am sure. I can't quite get into agreeing on one of those cases, given that I could well be a co-decision-making Minister, together with the UK Minister, on a successful bid. I just want to politely make that point to all those people who will carry on making their local case.