The British Ports Association welcomed the new Transport Secretary,Grant Shapps MP, to his role and commented on the opportunities that ports offer in boosting the UK Government’s agenda on trade and prosperity. The BPA Chief Executive discussed on Brexit, on the free ports project and reappointments at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, stated that the Association calls for Mr Shapps to cooperate with the new Prime Minister to continue to prioritise frictionless trade in their negotiations.
Brexit is an important part for the UK as the no-deal Brexit will affect the UK and its shipping trade.
Moreover, Ballantyne added that the BPA welcomes the Prime Minister’s recognition that ports are important regional and national economic hubs. The Association has developed industry-led proposals that are to support sustainable economic development in ports.
Many of the benefits of classic ‘free ports’ can be achieved through existing processes and they will not benefit every port, but still have some merit, particularly in certain Brexit scenarios
Regarding free ports, they are considered as an important measure to improve productivity and trade in and around the UK’s ports, adding more value to the UK and local economies. The free ports provide investment and jobs in a range of locations around the world; They also provide additional value to the UK and local economies.
In a letter sent from Maritime UK Chair, Harry Theochari, to the new Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, the former commented
Free ports are one part of a broader package of reforms to development rules that industry has put forward to boost investment in coastal communities. Improved connectivity for ports is critical to realising the benefits from this investment for the rest of the UK.
Mr Ballantyne added that the BPA will continue working with Departments across Whitehall, as the marine environment and industrial strategy have an increasing impact on the ports industry.
Concerning the reappointments at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr Ballantyne added that the BPA will continue supporting a sustainable development framework in the UK that will maintain the natural environment and habitats, as the ports will have opportunities for further development.
We look forward to continuing to explore how we can improve the marine consenting and licensing regimes and how we can support UKfishing ports through increased landings.
