Clyde Green Freeport

That the Parliament welcomes the imminent announcement of the winning bids for two green freeports in Scotland; understands that freeports in Scotland, backed by up to £52 million from the UK Government, will promote prosperity and regeneration in the areas selected, bring innovation and inclusive growth within communities, create high quality jobs and investment opportunities across Scotland, and enhance decarbonisation and a just transition to a net zero economy, upholding the highest environmental protections; recognises reports that, if the Clyde Green Freeport bid is one of the two Scottish bids to be chosen for freeport status, this would provide a multi-billion pound boost for the economy of Glasgow and the surrounding area, supporting regeneration, attracting inward investment and creating jobs; understands that the Clyde Green Freeport is a partnership between AGS Airports’ Glasgow Airport, Mossend International Railfreight Park, Peel Ports’ Clydeport and the Glasgow City Region councils, and that the Clyde bid partners estimate that around 30,000 new jobs, 45,000 including construction jobs, could be created if it wins, attracting £2.5 billion of capital investment and transforming nearly 600 hectares of vacant and derelict land along the Clyde; regards the green freeport initiative as a positive example of cooperation between the Scottish and UK governments, and wishes the Clyde Green Freeport every success, if selected.