Oral Answers to Questions

Ross Thomson Excerpts

Thursday 17th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Conor Burns]

I absolutely give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that we will work tirelessly to promote trade, investment and the prosperity of the United Kingdom. On the hon. Gentleman’s particular point, I would be delighted to meet him to talk about his constituency business.

[Ross Thomson (Aberdeen South) (Con)]

6. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the economic merits of freeports.

[Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)]

13. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the merits of freeports.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Graham Stuart)]

I am working closely, as are my colleagues across Government, to make sure that the freeport policy will be successful, and will help bring regeneration, jobs, opportunity and prosperity to every part of this United Kingdom.

[Ross Thomson]

Given Aberdeen’s new harbour expansion, which is supported in part by UK Government investment, and a growing cluster of subsea businesses near Aberdeen International airport, does my hon. Friend agree that freeport status for Aberdeen could help to turbocharge the engine room of the Scottish economy?

[Graham Stuart]

My hon. Friend is correct in his assertion that freeports have the potential to drive growth in towns and cities across the UK, enabling them to make the most of Brexit opportunities. We are working hard to design a model that delivers optimal benefit for the UK and specific locations. Where appropriate, we will work with the devolved Administrations on this matter, but it would be helpful if the SNP showed more enthusiasm for something that could make a big difference.