THE UK Prime Minister joined the First Minister of Wales in Anglesey today to celebrate a major boost for North Wales.

Stena Line Chief Operating Officer Fleet and Government Affairs Ian Hampton, welcomed Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford to the Port of Holyhead today.

 

(left to right) Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies, Stena Line Chief Operating Officer Fleet and Government Affairs Ian Hampton, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford. Image: PA

(left to right) Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies, Stena Line Chief Operating Officer Fleet and Government Affairs Ian Hampton, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford. Image: PA

 

It was to mark the announcement of the creation of two freeports in Wales in a bid to boost the country's economy.

The Anglesey Freeport is expected to help to create tens of thousands of new jobs in the green industries of the future.

 

(left to right) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford with John Goddard harbour master looking at charts during a visit to the Port of Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales, for the announcement of the creation of two

(left to right) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford with John Goddard harbour master looking at charts during a visit to the Port of Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales, for the announcement of the creation of two

 

In May 2022, Welsh Government reached an agreement with the UK Government to establish a freeport programme in Wales.

Following a bidding process, the Welsh and UK Governments have jointly agreed to create two freeports in Wales, which are expected to be operational later this year.

The freeport will be based by the port of Holyhead, Anglesey Prosperity Zone, Rhosgoch and Menai Science Park.

It will develop the Energy Island Programme (EIP) by focusing on marine energy technology testing on the seabed (tidal and wind).

 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a visit to the Port of Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales, for the announcement of the creation of two freeports in Wales in a bid to boost the countrys economy. Picture date: Thursday March 23, 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a visit to the Port of Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales, for the announcement of the creation of two freeports in Wales in a bid to boost the country's economy. Picture date: Thursday March 23, 2023.

 

The freeport aims to create between 3,500 and 13,000 jobs by 2030, with an increased GVA of approximately £500million.

It also anticipates significant inward investment, including the possibility of £1.4bn in the green energy sector.

The Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot is the other to have been chosen.