George Monbiot (Welcome to the freeport, where turbocapitalism tramples over British democracy, 17 August) seems to have completely misunderstood the latest iteration of freeports. It’s not my place to defend government policies, but, as a member of the advisory panel he mentions, I’d suggest that the new model of freeports is being promoted to create investment and jobs, not to endanger people’s lives or encourage criminality.
These are not mysterious zones for criminals that have torn up environmental rules but an attempt to drive growth in often forgotten about coastal regions by creating the conditions for long-term stable investment. The tools packaged up in a freeport’s armoury attempt to overcome many of the barriers to infrastructure projects and growth, and to speed up development.
The customs easements that Monbiot mentions have already been readily available from HM Revenue and Customs for many years, and legitimately used by a variety of traders and businesses. Also, contrary to what his article suggested (although this has since been corrected online), local authorities are not being deprived of income, as central government is compensating them for any losses in the business rates relief scheme.
For many authorities involved, these sites are being celebrated and used to attract much-needed new investment. However, there is a justifiable criticism of the freeports policy in that, by only selecting a limited number of sites, there is the threat of distortion as policymakers are picking winners and therefore leaving some regions out of this flagship levelling-up initiative.
Richard Ballantyne
Chief executive, British Ports Association
• George Monbiot highlights the numerous issues and inconsistencies raised by current UK policy on freeports. There is another key risk associated with the development of UK freeports: displacement. The danger is that “new” business at the freeports will simply be existing jobs and economic activity relocating from now disadvantaged locations in the rest of the UK, as the playing field is no longer level. Tellingly, two-thirds of respondents to the freeport policy consultation process said they felt there was a significant risk of such displacement taking place.
Neil Davidson
Freeport manager, Port of Tilbury, 1992-95
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