6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Free ports

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:27 pm on 8 February 2023.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 5:27, 8 February 2023

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I say what a pleasure it is to be able to close today's Welsh Conservatives debate on free ports, submitted in the name of my colleague Darren Millar? As outlined by Paul Davies in opening today's debate and outlined in point 1 of our motion, free ports have a role in really energising the Welsh economy. As the Minister just mentioned there, they're certainly not the be-all and end-all, but have a significant role in helping our economy move forward. We've been clear from our benches here today as Conservatives that we recognise the significant opportunities that come from free ports, and this includes the investment, high-quality jobs, and regeneration. I was disappointed to hear not a similar level of recognition from other benches in the Chamber here today, because as outlined by Paul Davies in opening, a free-port policy brings investment, trade and more jobs right across Wales, to make sure those industries of yesterday are being replaced by green and innovative, fast-growing, new businesses.

In the debate today, we heard from Luke Fletcher a certain amount of cynicism and suspicion of free ports, which did seem at odds to the bid from Anglesey county council, a Plaid Cymru council there, and of course from Plaid Cymru colleagues in north Wales, who are enthusiastically supporting some of the bids. We also heard from Natasha Asghar about the real status that free ports have to attract new trade and manufacturing activity, which Sam Kurtz was keen to outline as new trade, new businesses and new jobs that can be created through these. A number of Members highlighted where there are already agreed free ports taking place in the UK. We're seeing thousands of those new, high-skilled jobs being set up, both with public and private sector investment. 

What's been highlighted today, of course, is Members certainly seeking to highlight the free ports in their patch. Of course, I'll be very keen to highlight and remind Members of the free-port bid in Anglesey, but we'll talk about that a little bit more in a moment, because colleagues—Samuel Kurtz, Paul Davies, Tom Giffard and Altaf Hussain—highlighted the Celtic free-port bid, proposing to create a green innovation and investment corridor with sites at Port Talbot and Milford Haven, with Pembrokeshire council believing that the proposed clean energy developments, fuel terminals, power station and hydrogen fuel innovation will all thrive. There are some tongue-twister words there. But sadly, Joyce Watson didn't seem to be able to have the same level of enthusiasm for that bid, which was disappointing to hear from that contribution. Natasha Asghar pointed out, also, the Newport City Council bid, launching the free-port bid for Cardiff Airport, which would result in multisite free ports in south-east Wales covering a number of underdeveloped employment sites across the Cardiff capital region.

And the third free-port bid that was highlighted, Rhun ap Iorwerth said he was in full support of the Port of Holyhead free-port bid, which has also seen great support from Isle of Anglesey County Council, Stena Line, other businesses and, of course, consistent and clear support from the MP for Ynys Môn, Virginia Crosbie. As we know, Ynys Môn has unique characteristics and opportunities that make it an extremely attractive place for the establishment of a new free port. The area's proud trading history is underpinned by world-leading port infrastructure and the potential to become a green energy superpower. [Interruption.] Is that an intervention there, Mike?