Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 3:03 pm on 28 September 2022.
Thank you. I know the Minister for Economy has had discussions with the UK Government around free ports. I think it was a difficult start, I think it's fair to say, but, as you know, I think it was 1 September when we did launch our free port programme in Wales with the UK Government. I think it's really important for us to reimagine the role of ports in the future of the Welsh economy. Holyhead is such an important port, and, as you say, for the island of Anglesey, it is absolutely vital. I think what we're looking at is how we can simplify customs procedures; we've certainly seen an increase in bureaucracy since we left the European Union. We need to look at relief on customs duties, tax benefits and also development flexibility. So, we're now inviting applications for Wales's first free port. That's been set out in the published prospectus, and I'm sure you're aware of the objectives that we have. We've also successfully argued that a Welsh free port will need to operate in a manner that aligns with our policies here in Wales on fair work and social partnership.