Select Committee · Transport Committee

National Policy Statement for Ports

Status: Closed Opened: 27 Jun 2025 Closed: 21 Jul 2026 10 recommendations 4 conclusions 1 report

The Transport Committee is carrying out an inquiry into the Government’s proposal for a revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP). Read the call for evidence.

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report - National Policy Statement for Ports HC 1028 14 Nov 2025 14 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

6 items
2 Recommendation 4th Report - National Policy Statement … Not Addressed

Consider port freight demand forecasts indicative and incorporate non-freight activity in modelling

The sector’s view is that port freight demand forecasts should be regarded as indicative rather than definitive. We agree. This approach will allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness to evolving market conditions, technological developments and policy priorities. To support a comprehensive and future-proof approach to port development, non-freight activity should … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government's response rejects according ports Critical National Priority status and discusses the weighting of CNP projects, but it does not address the recommendation regarding port freight demand forecasts or the consideration of non-freight activity in modelling.
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Department for Transport
4 Conclusion 4th Report - National Policy Statement … Not Addressed

Ports indispensable for UK supply chain, energy security, and economic growth realisation

Ports are indispensable to the UK’s supply chain both for import and export of goods, and for development of energy infrastructure. Without their efficient operation, resilience and continued development, energy security and economic growth cannot be realised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38) Read more

Government response AI summary
The government states it accepts this recommendation, but then discusses design principles for port facilities and amendments to the National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) regarding functionality, safety, and aesthetics, rather than addressing the conclusion about ports' indispensability to the UK supply chain and energy …
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Department for Transport
5 Recommendation 4th Report - National Policy Statement … Not Addressed

Grant ports Critical National Priority status for essential supply chain and energy function

By the Government’s own admission, the ports sector is a “foundational industry.” The Government should grant ports Critical National Priority status to reinforce the primacy of port infrastructure and its essential function in the supply chain, and in enabling energy developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 39) 31 Read more

Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the importance of coordination with inland transport modes and the use of Transport Analysis Guidance to optimise modal shift, but it does not address the recommendation to grant ports Critical National Priority status.
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Department for Transport
6 Recommendation 4th Report - National Policy Statement … Not Addressed

Amend draft National Policy Statement for Ports to clarify applicability to DCO projects

To remove scope for ambiguity, the Department should amend the wording of the draft revised National Policy Statement for Ports to explicitly confirm its applicability to projects directed into the Development Consent Order process under section 35 of the Planning Act 2008. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) Design policy Read more

Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the provision of shore power and charging infrastructure in the NPSP, strengthening guidance and acknowledging grid capacity challenges, but it does not address the recommendation regarding the applicability of section 35 of the Planning Act 2008.
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Department for Transport
7 Recommendation 4th Report - National Policy Statement … Not Addressed

Clarify National Policy Statement for Ports prioritises design for functionality, safety, and environmental impact

Ports are functional environments, where safety must remain the paramount consideration. We understand the desirability of aesthetic quality, especially for landscapes and surrounding communities, but we share the concern of stakeholders that there are limits to what can be reasonably achieved in this respect in port developments. The National Policy … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government's response extensively discusses the Finch judgment, Scope 3 emissions, marine licences, and harbour orders, but fails to address the recommendation regarding design principles for port developments.
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Department for Transport
8 Conclusion 4th Report - National Policy Statement … Not Addressed

Government failed to communicate modal shift intentions clearly to maritime sector stakeholders

If stakeholders within the maritime sector do not believe that the draft revised Ports National Policy Statement is sufficiently clear in promoting modal shift, then the Government has failed to communicate its stated intention. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57) Read more

Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses marine licenses, dredging, and the relationship with other policy frameworks, completely failing to address the committee's conclusion about stakeholder perception of the NPS's clarity on modal shift.
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Department for Transport

Oral evidence sessions

2 sessions
Date Witnesses
16 Sep 2025 Keir Mather MP · Department for Transport, Mike Alcock · Department for Transport, Philip Grindrod · Department for Transport View ↗
10 Sep 2025 Cathy Hall · UK Major Ports Group, Mark Simmonds · The British Ports Association, Ms Stephanie Kenyon · UK Chamber of Shipping, Robbie Owen · The National Infrastructure Planning Association View ↗

Who gave evidence

7 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Cathy Hall · Senior Masterplanner UK Major Ports Group 1
Keir Mather MP · Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Transport 1
Mark Simmonds · Director of Policy The British Ports Association 1
Mike Alcock · Head of Ports and Shipping Department for Transport 1
Ms Stephanie Kenyon · Director of External Affairs UK Chamber of Shipping 1
Philip Grindrod · Ports and Shipping Division Department for Transport 1
Robbie Owen · Board Secretary and Director The National Infrastructure Planning Association 1

Correspondence

1 letter
DateDirectionTitle
11 Jun 2025 To cttee Letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transpor…

Meetings & visits

1 item
DateTypeDetail
25 Jun 2025 Formal meeting (private meeting) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House