Originally Posted by
Grumpy1
"What is the disadvantage to a freeport?" Summarised in numerous reports such as the findings of the Goverments Office of Budget Responsibility which concluded that they offered no benefit. It is a matter of fact that PD Ports Teesport are not in the freeport zone despite being surrounded by it. Why do you think they didnt want to be included? The last time we tried freeports we had the benefit of EU membership but they didnt work so were ended in 2012.
Exactly, freeports were a governnent headline grabbing gimick last time, as they are today. Difference is that this time around without the dubious advantage of being a gateway for non-EU products to the block they are even less likely to succeed. On a practical note the burocracy involved in getting stuff out was a pain. I know, I had to do it.
To be absolutely clear this isn't a criticism of Teesside, the EMA one will be similarly elephantine and white.