Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 3:04 pm on 28 September 2022.
It's quite right, as I've argued, that we try to exploit the potential of a free port, but what I've called for is honesty about what the risks might be and the need to militate against that. It was disappointing that the Conservatives, including the local MP, were willing to accept £8 million rather than £25 million for a free port on Anglesey, and I'm pleased now that, working together, we were able to make sure that the full amount of funding, as is going to free ports in England, is potentially able to come to Holyhead. It's also important that the council now is the lead player in making sure that a strong, safe, secure bid is put together. Will the Minister say how she is intending to work now with the council to make sure that Anglesey is in a strong enough position to make a good bid, but also to look after the welfare of workers and environmental regulations?