Question to the Wales Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of cancelled ferry crossings to ports in Wales on employment in local communities; and what steps they are taking, if any, to provide training for other careers to such communities.

There has been a reduced flow of freight traffic at ports across the UK since the end of the Transition Period and imposition of tighter restrictions to tackle Covid-19, including at Welsh ports. However, traffic flows are now gradually increasing – in fact, roll-on/roll-off freight flow at Welsh ports increased each week in January.

We recognise the need to provide as much support to the haulage sector as possible to smooth the transition to new trading arrangements. The Government has introduced a range of measures to help the industry meet new export requirements, including training, webinars and extensive guidance on GOV.UK. We are similarly ramping up communication and engagement efforts to ensure that traders are confident using Welsh routes. Furthermore, hauliers can benefit from the Trader Support Service which provides free advice and support to businesses of all sizes moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Welsh ports – as part of the GB ‘land bridge’ – will continue to provide critical routes to and from the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe, and we are confident that Welsh ports will continue to thrive as we build on the opportunities provided by being an independent trading nation.