Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of cancelled ferry crossings to ports in Wales on employment in local communities; and what steps they are taking, if any, to provide training for other careers to such communities.
Answered by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist
There has been a reduced flow of freight traffic at ports across the UK since the end of the Transition Period and imposition of tighter restrictions to tackle Covid-19, including at Welsh ports. However, traffic flows are now gradually increasing – in fact, roll-on/roll-off freight flow at Welsh ports increased each week in January.
We recognise the need to provide as much support to the haulage sector as possible to smooth the transition to new trading arrangements. The Government has introduced a range of measures to help the industry meet new export requirements, including training, webinars and extensive guidance on GOV.UK. We are similarly ramping up communication and engagement efforts to ensure that traders are confident using Welsh routes. Furthermore, hauliers can benefit from the Trader Support Service which provides free advice and support to businesses of all sizes moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Welsh ports – as part of the GB ‘land bridge’ – will continue to provide critical routes to and from the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe, and we are confident that Welsh ports will continue to thrive as we build on the opportunities provided by being an independent trading nation.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Welsh Government about reconstructing the entrance to the port of Holyhead.
Answered by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist
Although Holyhead Port falls within the Welsh Government’s purview, it is strategically significant to the UK. It is the UK’s second busiest ‘Roll on-Roll off’ port and its commercial freight tonnage is increasing year on year. It is vital to the UK economy and specifically to North Wales, the North of England and the Midlands.
It is therefore positive that the North Wales Growth Deal, which is jointly funded by the UK and Welsh Governments, is currently expected to invest significantly into developing the port’s infrastructure. This includes renovation works to the harbour breakwater, connectivity improvements from the railway station to the ferry terminal, additional hardstanding, as well as additional capacity for large freight and cruise ships to berth in the harbour.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Welsh Government about the provision of parking sites for lorries travelling through the port of Holyhead after 31 December.
Answered by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist
The UK Government is working hand in hand with the Welsh Government on preparations for the end of the Transition Period. This includes planning for the handling of traffic at and around Welsh ports, including Holyhead.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK's exit from the EU on the ports of Holyhead and Fishguard.
Answered by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist
The Government is clear that we will leave the transition period by the end of the year. Welsh ports will benefit from leaving the transition period as it ensures that we take back control of our laws, trade, borders and money on the basis of the agreement we reached in October and which enabled us to leave the EU on 31 January.
Furthermore, on 12 June, the Government committed to building new border facilities in Great Britain for carrying out required checks, such as customs compliance, transit, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks, as well as providing targeted support to ports to build new infrastructure. Where there is no space at ports for new infrastructure, the Government will build new inland sites where these checks and other activities will take place. The Government is consulting with ports across the UK including Holyhead and Fishguard to agree what infrastructure is required. This includes working with the Welsh Government recognising their devolved responsibilities in regards to ports.