Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made for the implications for his policies on free ports of the potential risk of (a) tax avoidance, (b) money laundering and (c) other illegal activities taking place in those ports.

The UK plays a key role in tackling cross-border illegal activity and this is not going to change. UK Freeports will be innovative hubs that boost trade, attract inward investment and drive productive activity across the UK. HMRC have been closely involved in their design to ensure that everyone pays their fair share of tax towards funding our vital public services, while boosting growth in all regions of the UK.