Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made in establishing a freeport in Northern Ireland; and what engagement has been carried out with Foyle Port to identify Derry City and the North West as a site for a freeport.

At Budget, the Chancellor announced 8 Freeports from 8 regions of England, as selected by the Secretary of State for the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government – this followed the fair, open and transparent assessment process outlined in the Bidding Prospectus.

We want to ensure that the whole of the UK can benefit, not just England. We have been in discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive to establish at least one Freeport in Northern Ireland as soon as possible.