The Scottish Government has been urged to “speed up” the process to deliver a freeport to the north-east amid claims it would create tens of thousands of jobs in the region.
A number of freeports – areas where trade can be carried out with relief from import duties and reduced administrative burdens – are expected to be created across the UK.
Now the Scottish Conservatives have called on Scottish Government ministers to accelerate the process – and warned “time is of the essence” if the north-east is to reap the benefits.
Mark Findlater, the party’s candidate in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, said: “Across the UK, freeports are expected to deliver large-scale investment and new jobs.
“I have read recent studies on the immediate economic benefit to regions elsewhere in the UK. If Teeside delivers 18,000 new jobs and Thames 25,000, I would suggest a north-east freeport would deliver at least 20,000 new employment opportunities, based on modest estimates.
“Unfortunately, there has been a no-doubt-unintended consequence to the government’s sluggishness in the bidding preparation process.
“Scotland’s ports have undoubtedly been left behind in the process as a result of dragging heels.
“The bidding process for England started in November last year, and we need to get this moving or else all those much-needed jobs could be at risk.
“The Scottish Conservatives support a freeport in the north-east, and the next Scottish Parliament would have our help to making this a reality. But time is of the essence.”
However, Mr McKee hit back at the Conservatives, accusing them of “blatant hypocrisy” over freeports.
“The Tories have dragged their heels on Scottish Government proposals to create green ports, holding back the success of Scottish ports and undermining workers’ protections,” he added.
“While freeports cannot undo the damage caused by Boris Johnson’s hard Brexit the Scottish Government green port model, which requires businesses to pay the real living wage, adopt the Scottish Business Pledge, commit to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in local communities and contribute to Scotland’s just transition to net zero, is widely backed by Scottish business.
“The Scottish Government launched its proposals in early March, but it requires both governments to sign up – the delay by the Tories is damaging Scottish businesses, leaving them months behind their English counterparts.
“Instead of working with the Scottish Government to benefit Scotland’s economy, the Tories have delayed and prevaricated to give businesses south of the border a heads start, and they proposed to significantly underfund Scottish ports compared to those in England.
“Only independence will make up for the damage done to the north-east by the Tories’ hard Brexit and their lack of support for Scottish business.”