Image: Port of Holyhead from Holyhead Mountain (image by I Capper via Geograph)
Welcoming the announcement of the Anglesey Freeport, Aberconwy MP Robin Millar has highlighted the strengthened case for rail investment.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is in North Wales today to announce the creation of the Anglesey Freeport. The Anglesey Freeport bid was one of three bids from around Wales and is the successful conclusion of a three-year campaign by North Wales Conservative MPs to bring new investment and jobs to North Wales.
(The campaign has been led since 2019 by Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie who set up and chaired the Anglesey Freeport Bidding Consortium with Holyhead Port owner Stena and other stakeholders.)
It is estimated that the freeport will bring economic benefits to the whole of North Wales by bringing in up to 13,000 new jobs and supporting about £1 billion of growth.
Stena Line have stated that they are working with companies that are interested in building factories if the freeport status was granted. Some of the companies that they have held discussions with include Rolls Royce and Bechtel, which are interested in making components for small nuclear reactors. It has also already bought the former Anglesey Aluminium site so companies can set up factories within the freeport zone if the status is awarded.
Commenting, Robin said:
“Today’s announcement is further reflection of the UK Government’s commitment to levelling up our economy – especially here in North Wales.
“The freeport will deliver economic benefits to the whole of North Wales by bringing in new investment and creating thousands of new, high skilled jobs. It will also help to ensure that young people in particular will not have to leave their communities to look for work and will help the Welsh language to flourish.
Continuing, Robin said:
“I have been campaigning for the electrification of the North Wales Main Line and for the renaming of the franchise to the North Wales and West Coast Main Line to reflect the route’s strategic importance to the UK. Good rail connectivity will be crucial to the success of the freeport, so today’s announcement strengthens the case for this investment. I will continue to campaign for this crucial infrastructure spending.
Concluding, Robin said:
“I must congratulate all those involved in compiling the bid for their tremendous success. And I especially congratulate my colleague Virginia Crosbie for her relentless efforts.
"I’ve spoken in Parliament at every opportunity in support of a freeport in North Wales. Last November, while speaking in a debate about North Wales rail services, I highlighted that a freeport 'will create thousands of jobs in Anglesey and across North Wales.”
Simply, a Freeport wouldn’t be coming to North Wales without a Conservative UK Government.”