3. Statement by the Minister for Economy: The Free-port Programme in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:27 pm on 28 March 2023.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 3:27, 28 March 2023

Yes. On your final point, I'll of course make sure that north Wales Members are engaged. It's been one of the features, actually, that a range of partners from more than one party have been interested in both of the bids, and I want to try to maintain that cross-party support and expectation that the bidders will deliver on what they've promised in terms of the jobs dividend and the quality of work, which goes back to your point—and it's been made by others—about the terms and conditions. It's not just important for Labour Members, but I have deliberately made sure that, in the prospectus, we're clear about the rights of workers and what fair work should look like.

On the possibility of section 106 agreements in the planning process, I'm not the planning Minister now, but I'm not sure that I should give a cast-iron support, but I recognise the point you're making on what can be delivered through the planning process, not just in consenting, but what it means in terms of return for nearby communities to both the north Wales and the Celtic bid as well. I'll certainly continue to promote the sector as an opportunity for apprentices, for new people to come into the workforce. And I'm pleased that we did hold out, as has been recognised. Initially, we were told there'd be £8 million and the Welsh Government would be expected to make up the difference. I was very clear there wouldn't be a free port delivered on the cheap. When we got through that, and we had direct decision maker to decision maker conversations in the UK Government and the Welsh Government, we were able to make progress, and that is what I want to see continue in a pragmatic, constructive way, and I look forward to seeing all Members across north Wales engaged in supporting the next stage in the process.