The Secretary of State for International Trade was addressing a reception organised by the British Ports Association. Was I alone in thinking that 99% of the people in the room were probably already aware of what ports are for and what they do?
It’s been said numerous times that the “plus” side of Brexit is that it has focused minds on trade and encouraged politicians – and even the public – to notice that ports even exist. Perhaps we can at least be glad of that.
Fox described ports as ‘Britain’s gateway to the world’ and added: “They have a brilliant future at the forefront of our global economic ambitions as Britain leaves the European Union. We know how important it will be to preserve vital existing trading links with our current partners in the EU. And for the first time in four decades, we will determine our own independent trade policy, able to seize the opportunity to establish new economic relationships across the globe.”
It was, he said, vital that Britain’s ports could “match the best facilities in the world”.
Port operators have to invest – but this is only part of the puzzle, he said. His emphasis on the importance of hinterland links was doubtless welcome. The Government’s recent Port Connectivity study “firmly makes the case for investment in transport links”, he said.
In October, the Government will launch a new Ports for International Trade campaign, which will promote the fact that ports play a vital role in international trade, said Fox. “The campaign will make the case for the huge opportunities that are out there. It is a very important global and national mission, and you are at the heart of it. There is a world beyond Europe and a time beyond Brexit. There is a very big world out there, and you are going to help us make the most of it.”
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Andy McDonald welcomed the Port Connectivity study but here his positivity ended.
“The uncertainty we face in terms of Customs, borders and future regulations is of huge concern to everyone in this room and I don’t believe the arguments that economic self-interest will naturally gravitate to protecting British business. It won’t,” he said. “Many ports are concerned about border arrangements. Ports need an agreement with the EU that preserves the advantages of the Customs Union and Single Market partnership as much as possible.”
The British Ports Association has more than 100 port members, covering more than 350 ports, terminal operators and port facilities.
Chairman Alec Don said BPA ports currently have more than £1.2bn of investments planned – and taken together, all of the country’s ports handle goods equal to half a trillion pounds of trade. “In these times, all of our national efforts are becoming focused on the development of our international trade. There is simply no question that the continuous development of port infrastructure has always been and will always continue to be a matter of overriding economic importance and in the national interest in support of our trade,” he said.
“Small ports and harbours are central to the economic life of their communities and they likewise need to be able to invest. So here is the question: can we develop the national political will to do what is necessary to deliver a 21st century infrastructure built on 19th and 20th century roots at a pace that meets the market need?
“In this day and age, we fully recognise that sustainable development requires the strongest partnership between Government and industry. My invitation is that MPs with ports in or near their constituencies set out to find a common voice and form a parliamentary movement.”
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