Last month we talked to our guests in Orkney about the way in which the UK Government is setting up Freeports in UK, including two here in Scotland. The Scottish Government has proposals of its own on the way in which any freeports based in Scotland will be established. You can watch that interview here: Freeports – A Good Thing? Or a Pirate’s Dream Come True
The Debate on Freeports
We thought we’d give you the opportunity to listen to the debate on freeports which took place at the 2021 SNP party Conference. Twelve branches, groups and individuals proposed the motion. And one branch proposed an amendment to the motion, You can read the full motion and amendment here (it’s Motion 14 on page22/23) Here is the conference debate as it happened followed by details of the written motion, the amendment, the resulting vote, and what happened next!
Details of the Motion & Amendment
The proposers are not in favour of Freeports as is pretty clear from the first half of the motion:
Six Requirements for Scottish Freeports:
But recognising that UK Government will go ahead whatever Scottish Government thinks, they go on to set out six requirements for the establishment and operation of freeports in Scotland.
Amendment to the Motion:
The amendment stated:
The Vote!
What Happened Next?
What happened next is well documented by Peter Henderson, the lead proposer of Motion 14. We’ll be summarising his response in our next blog post.