Freeport Fearfulness

Even though this photo of Ryston Bank on Newton Moor was taken right within the North York Moors National Park, every square inch captured, right up to the North Sea in the distance, lies within the Teesport ‘Freeport outer boundary’, an arbitrary demarcation unmistakably drawn by some bureaucrat armed with nothing more than a pair of school drawing compasses¹HM Revenue & Customs. 2021. ‘Maps of UK Freeports’, GOV.UK <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maps-of-uk-freeports#full-publication-update-history:~:text=Teesside%20Freeport,-PDF%2C%202.95> [accessed 17 January 2024].

What precisely does it mean? As the debate on Freeports intensifies, what potential ramifications might this economic zone have for the North Yorkshire Moors? Why does it need to include the National Park at all?

It’s all a tad mysterious, intentionally shrouded, one might say. Freeports are assigned zones where goods can be brought in and sent out sans the usual customs duties, and where planning regulations are relaxed. They’re not a groundbreaking concept; the notion was initially set up by the British government way back in 1766. Nevertheless, there’s a growing unease that the environment might end up worse off in the pursuit of short-term economic gain.

And then there’s this matter of “serious allegations of corruption, wrongdoing, and illegality” swirling around the Teesport Freeport. They’re meant to be under investigation by an independent inquiry looking into the South Tees Development Corporation and Teesworks Joint Venture. Hefty sums are involved. It was reported this week that Teesworks had tripled its profits to £54m, with a whopping 90% of the shares are snugly held by just two local businessmen²Morris, Peter. 2024. ‘Teesworks: Commons Urgent Question “Possible”’, North East Bylines <https://northeastbylines.co.uk/teesworks-commons-urgent-question-possible/> [accessed 12 January 2024]. But as yet, the inquiry hasn’t even started³Partington, Richard. 2024. ‘Gove Refuses to Set Deadline for Investigation into Tees Freeport “Corruption”’, The Guardian (The Guardian) <https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/10/gove-refuses-to-set-deadline-for-investigation-into-tees-freeport-corruption?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other> [accessed 11 January 2024].

These allegations might just be the next media storm, threatening to steal the spotlight from any potential environmental devastation awaiting the North Yorkshire Moors.

To me, there is no logical reason the geographical expansion of the Freeport area should encroach upon the National Park. The clash between profit and nature is demonstrably still being fought off the coast of Redcar and Marske, with the environment coming off worse.

Various environmental groups have been raising concerns about what Freeports might do to the fragile ecosystems of the North Yorkshire Moors⁴Monbiot, George. 2022. ‘Welcome to the Freeport, Where Turbocapitalism Tramples over British Democracy’, The Guardian (The Guardian) <https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/aug/17/freeport-turbocapitalism-tramples-over-british-democracy-teesside-plymouth> [accessed 17 January 2024]. This unique landscape, full of biodiversity and a haven for flora and wildlife, is not secure and will have a vital part to play in tackling climate change.

The peril to the environment goes further than ecological fallout. I have grown a distinct preference for the seclusion of the farther reaches of the National Park, for its charm has turned many locales into tourist hotspots, drawing in visitors from near and far. Roseberry Topping for instance. This has become a crucial part of the economy, yet the conceivable environmental issues could cast a shadow, as a decline in quality will lessen the region’s allure for tourists.

In view of these concerns, it is imperative that we make every effort to shield our exceptional landscape for future generations. The focus ought to be on responsible development that preserves the unique countryside and ecosystems that characterise the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. The exclusion of the Park from the Teesport Freeport zone is therefore imperative for its protection and preservation. It is essential that any development is sustainable and prioritises environmental integrity and long-term well-being over short-term economic gains.

• 1
  HM Revenue & Customs. 2021. ‘Maps of UK Freeports’, GOV.UK <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maps-of-uk-freeports#full-publication-update-history:~:text=Teesside%20Freeport,-PDF%2C%202.95> [accessed 17 January 2024]
• 2
  Morris, Peter. 2024. ‘Teesworks: Commons Urgent Question “Possible”’, North East Bylines <https://northeastbylines.co.uk/teesworks-commons-urgent-question-possible/> [accessed 12 January 2024]
• 3
  Partington, Richard. 2024. ‘Gove Refuses to Set Deadline for Investigation into Tees Freeport “Corruption”’, The Guardian (The Guardian) <https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/10/gove-refuses-to-set-deadline-for-investigation-into-tees-freeport-corruption?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other> [accessed 11 January 2024]
• 4
  Monbiot, George. 2022. ‘Welcome to the Freeport, Where Turbocapitalism Tramples over British Democracy’, The Guardian (The Guardian) <https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/aug/17/freeport-turbocapitalism-tramples-over-british-democracy-teesside-plymouth> [accessed 17 January 2024]