The SNP are delaying freeports with petty squabbles. The SNP’s Greenport scheme is failing to provide clear direction for business, and unnecessarily threatening the establishment of freeports in Scotland.
We are the party that will put Scotland’s industry first. The Scottish Conservatives are the party of free trade and enterprise. We believe Scotland’s best interests are served by working, not fighting, with the UK Government to ensure Scotland’s businesses thrive, and exports keep rising.
Scotland’s coastal regions should have the opportunity to thrive. Freeports are a unique opportunity to provide jobs, industry and growth for Scottish coastal communities. The Scottish Conservatives will particularly support a freeport for the Northeast, to support the region as oil reserves decline.
We will make it easier to establish freeports in Scotland. To give freeport bids all the support they need to grow, we will review planning regulations, utilise enterprise zones, incentivise diversification and ensure they benefit from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Freeports can make Scotland more competitive. However, the SNPs Greenports plan would place restrictions on freeports, mitigating their competitive edge. The Scottish Conservatives would support the UK Government in the freeport scheme to provide Scotland with a true competitive edge in the world.