Maggie delighted at Government greenlight for East Midlands Freeport

Member of Parliament for Erewash, Maggie Throup has expressed delight having acknowledged the Government announcement that the East Midlands Freeport has received final Government approval. 

Freeports are at the forefront of levelling up and are a key part of the Government’s economic strategy. 

Maggie commented: “I am delighted that the Government has given the green light for the East Midlands Freeport. This is a significant breakthrough for the East Midlands and the Government is backing this area to grow and prosper. The East Midlands Freeport will generate thousands of jobs, boost the local economy, and will benefit communities such as Erewash.”

The East Midlands Freeport will now receive up to £25 million seed funding over the coming years, and potentially hundreds of millions of pounds in locally retained business rates to upgrade local infrastructure and stimulate regeneration. This is alongside generous tax reliefs and a simplified customs procedure, all backed by a package of trade and innovation support for businesses locating there.

As well as improving multimodal transport connections – covering road, rail, and air – the East Midlands Freeport will become a local leader, working with higher and further education institutions to innovate in hydrogen and low-carbon energy generation.

The Government will now work closely with the Freeport, Local Authorities and other local stakeholders to ensure that the project has the support it needs to deliver lasting benefits for the area.