THE Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, Virginia Crosbie, has welcomed news that a Welsh freeport is alive and kicking after she asked the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, for an update.

Mrs Crosbie has been campaigning for a freeport on Anglesey to bring much-needed jobs and investment to the island, but the Welsh Government has continued to drag its heels.

During yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Mrs Crosbie asked Mr Johnson: “Can the Prime Minister confirm to me and my Ynys Môn constituents that the UK Government is committed to at least one freeport in Wales?

“Will he update the House on how discussions are progressing with the Welsh Government?”

In reply, Mr Johnson said: “My right honourable friend; the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities is indeed talking to his counterparts in the Welsh Government about establishing a freeport in Wales.

“I urge our friends in the Welsh Government to agree those plans as a matter of urgency.”

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Crosbie added: “This is really positive news for Wales and it shows the UK Government is driving the freeport concept here despite the reluctance of the Welsh Government to do anything at all.

“This has led to unacceptable delays in the process while freeports in England get their act together and bring jobs and investment to their areas.

“I want a piece of the freeport action for Ynys Môn and I couldn’t agree with the PM more: the Welsh Government needs to sort its act out and agree to these plans as a matter of urgency.”