An important post-Brexit initiative of the Conservative government was the announcement in 2021 of eight new ‘freeports’ across England, of which Plymouth/South Devon were one.
The establishment of the Freeport has proceeded rapidly. The local vision reframes the national agenda, with a focus on sustainable development in the marine economy and the defence/space sectors, in a way that is genuinely innovative but may also be challenging.
Notwithstanding the undoubted opportunities, and the extensive planning of the local authorities to ensure broader social and environmental benefits, there are risks. The political context for freeports is still volatile, economic displacement is still a concern and the economic crisis may put pressure on some of the social and environmental principles (while the public image of freeports is not unproblematic).
This workshop covered the following.
Session 1: What do we know about the the UK freeports
Dr Peter Holmes and Guillermo Larbalastier from the Trade Policy Observatory on the trade implications of the new freeports and Dr Catherine Barnard (Cambridge) on the evolving UK policy; Drs Holden and Harmer on the political and socio-economic context of the Plymouth/Devon Freeport (summary of their recent research) followed by a Q&A/discussion.
Dr Peter Holmes and Guillermo Larbalastier from the Trade Policy Observatory on the trade implications of the new freeports and Dr Catherine Barnard (Cambridge) on the evolving UK policy; Drs Holden and Harmer on the political and socio-economic context of the Plymouth/Devon Freeport (summary of their recent research) followed by a Q&A/discussion.
Session 2: Opportunities and risks for business, government and society
This session explored and encouraged participants to reflect on the opportunities, challenges and potential risks of the Freeport. Facilitated group discussions explored different scenarios and perspectives.
This session explored and encouraged participants to reflect on the opportunities, challenges and potential risks of the Freeport. Facilitated group discussions explored different scenarios and perspectives.
WORKSHOP OUTCOMES
- An understanding of the evolving national policy
- Analytical tools to understand the political and social dynamics in the South West
- Better knowledge of their own organisation’s research and learning needs
- A new perspective on freeports and exposure to social science experts
- Optional involvement in an ongoing knowledge network on freeports
EVENT ORGANISERS
The event was led by Dr Patrick Holden, Associate Professor Politics and International Relations, and Dr Nichola Harmer, Lecturer in Human Geography from the University of Plymouth.
The event was led by Dr Patrick Holden, Associate Professor Politics and International Relations, and Dr Nichola Harmer, Lecturer in Human Geography from the University of Plymouth.
INVITED SPEAKERS
- Dr Catherine Barnard, Professor of European and Employment Law, University of Cambridge, and author of landmark report of Freeports – UK in a Changing Europe
- Dr Peter Holmes Emeritus Reader (Economics) University of Sussex and Director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory
- Guillermo Larbalestier, Fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory
The event was primarily aimed at professionals with relevant roles (and was of particular interest to individuals with leading/strategic roles) in local government, business and civil society.