6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Free ports

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:30 pm on 8 February 2023.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 5:30, 8 February 2023

Thank you very much. In addition to this, analysis conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research indicates that Anglesey free port could bring up to 13,000 jobs to north Wales over a 15-year period. It could also increase GDP across the UK by a significant amount by 2030. Along with this, Stena Line, as already mentioned, states that free-port status would simplify the passing of lorries through the port there as well. 

The final point of my contribution today, with which I'd like to finish, Dirprwy Lywydd, is a reminder that the benefits of a free port cannot be underestimated, bringing much-needed jobs and investment into some of the areas of Wales that need to see that growth the most. That's something that Tom Giffard was keen to point out. For the areas of Wales that need that growth the most, free ports will be able to bring it forward [Interruption.] Sorry?