Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on the potential effect of Freeports on national security; what the outcomes of those discussions were; and if he will make a statement.

Our Freeport model ensures that the UK’s high standards with respect to security will not be compromised.

The Freeports Consultation Response committed that Freeports will adhere to the OECD Code of Conduct for Clean Free Trade Zones and the specific anti-illicit trade and security measures therein, and that the current obligations set out in the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations 2017 will be maintained.

As part of the bidding process, bidders will have to show how they will meet the minimum standard of security in customs and tax sites before being able to operate as a Freeport.