The Solent Freeport bid was submitted by Solent Local Enterprise Partnership based on a coalition of businesses, associated local authorities and other partners. In today’s budget announcement, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced that Solent has been selected as one of the eight UK sites for which Freeport’s will now be developed.
This report from the BBC gives background into the announcement and further detail on the expected operation of the Freeports.
Portsmouth International Port were the first to confirm their part in the successful shortlisting which is expected to bring new employment to both Portsmouth and Havant, as well as the wider Solent region.
Further detail is expected from the Port of Southampton and other partners to the bid and this post will be updated as further announcements are made.
For other local press commentary, please take these links.
Portsmouth News
Southern Daily Echo
On The Wight
Isle of Wight County Press
Solent Protection Society 