6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Free ports

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:32 pm on 8 February 2023.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 5:32, 8 February 2023

I think with every proposal, there are difficult things to deal with, but the opportunities here aren't being acknowledged by the benches on the other side of the Chamber either—the opportunities for jobs being created are not being acknowledged, the new jobs, new business and new innovation are not being acknowledged at the same level or enthusiastically grasped a hold of. The risk, I suppose, is that if we don't do that here in Wales, those jobs will go elsewhere across the United Kingdom or elsewhere outside of the United Kingdom altogether.

As expressed eloquently and passionately by Members across the Chamber, and indeed everywhere across Wales, these bids will help to transform our local communities, and I appreciate the Minister's response outlining his role in providing pragmatic support where possible through this. And it's essential, of course, that that support continues, with both UK and Welsh Government working together as well as possible to deliver those free ports for us here in Wales, maximising the opportunities that these bids have to offer. So, I thank all Members and the Minister for responding to today's debate, and I call on all Members to support the Welsh Conservatives' motion unamended. Diolch yn fawr iawn.