UK Free Ports: Will Investment Drivers for 'Global Britain' Secure Conservatives New Northern Strongholds?

11th February 2020

UK Free Ports: Many of the 30 ports believed to be preparing bids for free port status are in UK northern areas won by the Conservatives. Above: File photo of containership Nicolas Delmas AFLOAT adds when operating between Irish and UK ports in addition connecting continental mainland Europe. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

On the west coast of Ireland the little known Shannon Airport unknowingly started a trade revolution back in 1959 when it became the world’s first free trade zone.

Skip forward six decades and Brexiteers are holding up this small town in County Clare as a symbol of the opportunities the UK’s new-found freedom could offer.

The Government on Monday kicked off a 10-week consultation on plans to create up to 10 free ports as it looks to level up the UK economy and attract investment into post-industrial coastal areas.

After the success in Shannon, they have been used across the world to create global trading hubs in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.

For more The Telegraph reports here.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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