Scotland ‘growing increasingly impatient’ over its stalled green ports initiative

Scotland ‘growing increasingly impatient’ over its stalled green ports initiative


Trade Minister Ivan McKee has written to the UK government seeking their urgent cooperation to deliver green ports in Scotland. McKee first urged the UK government to provide clarity over Scotland’s green ports model in March.

In a letter to Alister Jack, secretary of state for Scotland, McKee said: “Green ports will help us create a sustainable economy that promotes good jobs and supports our important net zero commitments. The Scottish government remains committed to working in partnership with the UK government to ensure the benefits of green ports are equally felt by businesses across the UK.

“However, we have been frustrated at the lack of cooperation from the UK government who so far appear to be unwilling to allocate funding on a par with elsewhere in the UK, or to agree to our green port ambitions on fair work and net zero.”

The letter followed a meeting with Jack on July 2 and outlined concerns from the Scottish government and industry stakeholders that a delay from the UK government is putting Scottish ports at a competitive disadvantage. McKee also made it clear that Scottish ministers would challenge any attempts by the UK government to legislate in devolved areas.

McKee added: “Should the UK government move forward with a proposal that does not include a commitment on fair work and net zero, the Scottish government will not support this initiative. To ensure there is not a race to the bottom on workers’ rights and the environment, the Scottish government will challenge any attempts by the UK government to impose their model in Scotland by legislating in devolved areas, which would be a breach of the spirit of the devolution settlement.”

Adapting the UK government freeport proposals, the aim of Scottish green ports is to offer a package of tax and customs reliefs to operators and their beneficiaries who adopt fair work practices and contribute to Scotland’s energy transition to net zero.

For more information visit www.gov.scot/news/establishing-green-ports/

12th July 2021