Ports: Wales

(asked on 26th January 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to compensate (1) Holyhead Port, (2) Pembroke Dock, and (3) Fishguard Port, for any local economic decline because of a reduction in ferry crossings due to the UK’s departure from the EU.


Answered by
Baroness Vere of Norbiton Portrait
Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
This question was answered on 8th February 2021

The UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement delivers for the whole of the United Kingdom and provides for streamlined customs arrangements to support the smooth flow of goods at the border. We will continue to work closely with traders to ensure that exporters understand the requirements they need to meet to continue trading with the EU. There is a period of adjustment for some businesses and whilst that occurs this may account for any initial reductions to freight flows on these and other UK routes, already affected by Covid19 restrictions. There are no plans for compensation for any ports as a result of this.

Welsh ports, and Holyhead in particular, will continue to be critical routes to and from the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe irrespective of direct links for haulage between Ireland and France. The land bridge route has significant advantages for hauliers over maritime routes and the Government is confident that Welsh ports will continue to thrive as we build on the opportunities provided by being an independent trading nation.

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