Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many applications there have been for a freeport in Northern Ireland; from which areas those applications have been sent; and whether the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland prohibits the possibility of a freeport in Northern Ireland.

Freeport delivery in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland relies on partnership between UKG and the devolved governments to maximise the benefits a Freeport can offer. We have progressed Freeports in Scotland and Wales; however, the governance situation in Northern Ireland has so far prevented UKG and the Northern Ireland Executive from agreeing a Freeport offer in Northern Ireland and application process. In the meantime, we remain committed to delivering existing economic growth programmes and meeting with stakeholders from sectors and places across Northern Ireland to discuss future opportunities.