Humber Freeport Chair Welcomes ‘Major Vote Of Confidence’

5:38 PM 30th October 2024 frontpage

Humber Bridge at night – credit Future Humber

The Chair of Humber Freeport has welcomed a “major vote of confidence” in Freeports.

In detailed Budget documents published following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Commons statement, the Government announced the Freeports programme would align with the national industrial strategy. It also confirmed that five new customs sites in existing Freeports will be approved shortly.

Simon Bird – credit Hull News & Pictures

Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird welcomed the new Labour Government’s backing for Freeports.

He said:
“This is a major vote of confidence in Freeports by the new Government. It recognises the significant progress that has been made and the crucial contribution Freeports are making to the Government’s drive for growth.

“Here in the Humber we have tangible evidence of success, with Humber Freeport tax sites having attracted well over GBP1bn of investment. We’re also delivering seed capital funding that is supporting major projects focused on decarbonisation, innovation and skills.”

“The Budget commitment to Freeports comes just days after Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer said in a media interview that Freeports were “working well” and his Government planned to make improvements “so they work even better”.

The Budget announcement comes as work begins on a major investment in the Hull East tax site, with Mitsubishi Chemical Group beginning the delivery of a GBP250m expansion of its facility at Saltend Chemicals Park.

The new production line will double Mitsubishi’s capacity at the facility, creating dozens of new jobs and safeguarding 130 existing roles.