Freeport status welcomed by Plaid Cymru politicians

Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth and Cefin Campbell MS have  welcomed freeport status for Anglesey and Pembrokeshire respectively.

The UK and Welsh governments confirmed today that two Welsh freeports are to be created – Celtic Freeport, at Milford Haven and Port Talbot, and Anglesey Freeport.

Ynys Mon’s Member of the Senedd and Westminster parliamentary candidate Rhun ap Iorwerth congratulated the Anglesey bid team on their success and for winning assurances on workers’ rights and environmental protections in regards to the freeport.

Mr ap Iorwerth said with careful planning, the new Anglesey freeport would bring “real economic potential” to the island.

He added he would “build on Anglesey’s strengths to create new economic opportunities for communities on the island, and across north Wales” and would prioritise making the freeport work for the island, its aspirations and interests as a community.

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru MS for Mid and West Wales Cefin Campbell welcomed the Celtic Freeport announcement.

Mr Campbell said the status offered an “exciting opportunity” for south Wales to build on the huge opportunities offered by the Pembrokeshire coastline in regard to floating offshore wind and renewable technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture.

In response to today’s announcement from Welsh and UK Government that Anglesey has been given freeport status, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn said:

“I want to congratulate Anglesey bid team – led by Anglesey Council and Stena – for their work in making the successful case to Welsh and UK Governments for the Ynys Mon freeport.

“Having fought and won assurances on workers’ rights and environmental protections, and for a level playing field with England in terms of funding, I’m confident that with careful planning this freeport status can bring real economic potential.

“We must now build on Anglesey’s strengths to create new economic opportunities for communities on the island, and across north Wales.”However, the hard work starts now, and my priority is to ensure that this freeport status and the opportunities that come from it remain true to our aspirations and interests as a community.”

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales added:

“I welcome the announcement that the Celtic Freeport has made a successful case to Welsh and UK Governments and would like to thank those who worked so hard to develop this bid.

“The granting of the freeport status is an exciting opportunity for south Wales – building on the huge opportunities offered by the Pembrokeshire coastline in regard to floating offshore wind and renewable technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture. I’m confident this announcement can bring real benefits to the economy and communities across south-west Wales – securing high-skilled jobs and furthering the region’s growing reputation as a global leader for low carbon technologies.”