Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to consult trade unions on (a) employment rights and (b) governance structures before the eight Freeports announced in the Budget statement on 3 March 2021 begin operating.

The government is pleased to have announced the locations of 8 new English Freeports at Budget. The Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government will shortly publish the rationale behind the selection of these Freeport locations according to the process laid out in the Prospectus.

Successful bidders will be confirmed subject to a business case review, agreement of governance arrangements, and the fulfilment of the appropriate authorisations.

Freeports are not deregulatory and the government will ensure that the UK’s high standards with respect to workers’ rights will not be compromised.