Jardine calls for Freeport meeting to address Airport sale reports

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has written to the Board of the Forth Green Freeport to call for a meeting following reports Edinburgh Airport is to be sold. 

Raising the issue in Parliament, the Liberal Democrat asked Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove how the UK Government will ensure this does not negatively impact the Forth Green Freeport. 

Coming just days after Ineos announced it would end its oil refinery operations at Grangemouth, Christine is concerned that this move may reduce confidence in the Freeport, threatening its development. 

Mr Gove said the UK Government is working with the Scottish and local Government to keep “sustainable growth” at the heart of plans for Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

She is now seeking a meeting with the Board to discuss the impact on business and workers in her constituency.   

Christine Jardine said, “Rumours about the sale of Edinburgh Airport will do nothing to reassure businesses and their employees already concerned about the closure of Grangemouth oil refinery. 

“The Airport is Edinburgh West’s biggest employer and a huge part of Edinburgh’s booming tourism sector.  

Its location at the heart of the Forth Green Freeport means we have huge potential to develop more sustainable ways of travel, including research into sustainable air fuels. 

“These plans were already under threat with the closure of Grangemouth, and our local businesses need clarity from the Government about how the Freeport would be impacted by any sale.  

“I hope to meet the Freeport board directly to share my concerns and ensure that businesses and workers across Edinburgh West do not lose out.”