First Minister urged to "put politics aside" for Aberdeen freeport
North East MSP Douglas Lumsden wants a meeting with Nicola Sturgeon
Last updated 13th Oct 2021
North East MSP Douglas Lumsden has urged Nicola Sturgeon to "put politics aside" when it comes to talks about a free port in Aberdeen.
He wants a meeting with the First Minister.
The Scottish Tories claim talks broke down last month after the Scottish Government backed out.
It comes after Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing met UK Government minister Michael Gove in London where the pair discussed plans to set up ports with special tax status in the north-east.
Mr Lumsden said Aberdeen should be supported in its bid as it “remains best placed to promote the energy transition right across Scotland”.
In his letter to Ms Sturgeon, he said: “You will be aware that the failure of the Scottish Government to agree to a second UK Freeport has caused great consternation in the north-east.
“Aberdeen and Peterhead are among the port authorities bidding for freeport status, which could be game-changing for the north-east economy which has been hit badly in recent years.
“Aberdeen City Council is eager to pursue freeports as Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, remains best placed to promote the energy transition right across Scotland.
“This view is held by many business leaders in Aberdeen, including Sir Ian Wood.
“Will the Scottish Government commit to undertaking a review on its decision to not progress with the UK freeport model to ensure that Aberdeen, and the greater north-east, do not miss out on the creation of thousands of jobs through sheer stubborn constitutional politics that threatens to reduce Scotland’s standing in the world?
“As always, I would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss Freeports and the importance of job creation for Aberdeen and the north-east.
“I am sure, like me, you were encouraged by the leader of Aberdeen City Council meeting with the UK Government last week to discuss freeports for Aberdeen and the north-east.
“I would be grateful if you could afford me the same opportunity, as the UK Government offered to the leader of Aberdeen City Council, by meeting with me to discuss the importance of the Scottish Government working with the UK Government and Local Authorities to deliver for Scotland on this matter.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“The Scottish Government is helping create new alternative jobs in Aberdeen through the Aberdeen City Region Deal, which is backed by £125 million of Scottish Government funding over 10 years, contributing to the region’s economic recovery by creating jobs and providing the commercial infrastructure to support and attract businesses to Aberdeen and the surrounding areas.
“We continue to engage positively with business, public sector bodies and trade associations and are working on our sustainable green port offer.
“Whilst we were prepared to work with the UK Government, and had a joint draft green port bidding prospectus ready to launch in March, we have been clear that we are not prepared to implement a model that does not include a firm commitment to fair work and net-zero conditionality.
“After six months of delay on its part, the UK Government’s eventual offer did not reflect this – nor did it provide fair set-up funding for Scotland compared to that offered for the UK Government’s favoured freeport model for England, or indeed recognise the vital role the real Living Wage plays in secure pay and employment contracts.
“The Scottish Government therefore had no option but to progress plans to further develop a green port model which meets the specific needs of Scotland’s economy.”