In questions to the Cabinet Office in the House of Commons earlier today Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, raised the importance of the Union and also the Cumbria Freeport proposal.
Dr Hudson’s initial question:
“What steps in the Government taking to strengthen the Union?”
Rt Hon Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, responded:
“The Government is committed to protecting and promoting the combined strengths of our Union, building on 300 years of successful partnership. It is vital, of course, that we continue to work across the United Kingdom on common challenges that we all face such as the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme and we also need to focus on jobs and supporting our NHS.”
Dr Hudson’s supplementary question:
“As the MP for a Border region I am acutely aware of the importance of our great Union, physically, economically and historically. I welcome the Government’s plans to establish 10 freeports across the United Kingdom, a move that will help secure thousands of jobs and regenerate communities. Does my Right Honourable Friend agree that the exciting Cumbria Freeport multi-centre proposal involving Carlisle Airport, Barrow and Workington, with its specific strengths in Union Connectivity and clean energy, would help propel our region’s economic recovery and play a key role in the Government’s levelling-up agenda by attracting investment and jobs to our region?”
Michael Gove replied:
“My Honourable Friend is absolutely right and Carlisle, Barrow and Workington working together can ensure that Cumbria and the North West of England benefits but also the Borders as a whole benefits and the support that this Government has given to the Borderlands Growth Deal is another example of how the interrelations between Carlisle, Dumfries, Hawick and other significant parts of this United Kingdom, mean that we are stronger together.”
Commenting after the Commons sessions Dr Hudson said:
“I was really pleased to see Cabinet Minister Michael Gove acknowledge the importance of the Cumbria Freeport bid in benefitting not only Cumbria but the North West and the wider Border region too. The innovative Cumbria Freeport bid has my full support and I eagerly await a decision in the Spring to see if it is successful. He also highlighted the Borderlands Growth Deal, worth £395 million which includes looking into the possibility of extending the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle.”