Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
4th Report - National Policy Statement for Ports
Transport Committee
HC 1028
Published 14 November 2025
Government response
National Policy Statement for Ports: Government response to the Transport Committee and Consultation · published 21 Jul 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
2
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Consider port freight demand forecasts indicative and incorporate non-freight activity in modelling
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Transport
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4
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Ports indispensable for UK supply chain, energy security, and economic growth realisation
Conclusion
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)
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Government Response 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 security.
Department for Transport
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5
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Grant ports Critical National Priority status for essential supply chain and energy function
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Transport
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6
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Amend draft National Policy Statement for Ports to clarify applicability to DCO projects
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Transport
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7
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Clarify National Policy Statement for Ports prioritises design for functionality, safety, and environmental impact
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Transport
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8
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Government failed to communicate modal shift intentions clearly to maritime sector stakeholders
Conclusion
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)
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Government Response 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.
Department for Transport
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