Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether British ports will be designated as free ports after the UK leaves the EU.

Section 100A of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA) provides the legal basis for the designation of free zones by HM Treasury and will continue to do so following UK withdrawal from the EU. Applying for designation as a free zone will be a commercial decision to be taken by private port operators.