Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Rejected
Examine the case for designating all UK spaceports as freeports to spur sector growth.
Recommendation
The UK Government should examine the case for designating all spaceports as freeports, to spur further growth of the sector and provide a greater opportunity to attract investment, talent and international partnerships. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating it does not currently intend to expand the Freeport Programme to cover any new sites.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
• The current Freeport programme in England, Scotland and Wales is now operational, with all eight Freeports in England, two in Scotland and two in Wales now delivering investments and high-quality jobs across the country. • We recognise the potential of freeports, as well as Investment Zones and Enterprise Zones, for driving growth across the UK and we are committed to bringing them closer together as part of our modern Industrial Strategy, with shared delivery mechanisms and a stronger support offer from the UK and devolved governments. However, Government currently does not intend to expand the Freeport Programme to cover any new sites. • The Government continues to work closely with UK spaceports to understand and reduce barriers to investment and exports, strengthen international partnerships needed for overseas customers, and to enable delivery of first launches.