SOUTH Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe has joined in the celebration after it was announced the green light has been given for a new Freeport on the boundaries of Basildon that promises thousands of jobs and huge boost to the regional economy.

Mr Metcalfe has paid tribute to the operators of the Port of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway for their work in bringing a new Freeport to the area, saying: "It is fabulous news that Thames Freeport will go ahead. Well done everyone for a great, transformational bid."

News that the Thames Freeport, which will include a partnership between the two ports, the Ford motor company at Dagenham and the fledgling but hugely anticipated Thames Enterprise Park, has been given approval was made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of his budget today (Wednesday, 3 March).

Freeports are areas which allow companies importing and exporting from the UK to operate under simplified customs, tax, and planning rules.

Mr Sunak declared: "Our Freeports will have simpler planning to allow businesses to build, infrastructure funding to improve transport links, cheaper customs with favourable tariffs, VAT or duties, and lower taxes with tax breaks to encourage construction, private investment and job creation."

The news has also been greeted with delight by Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price, who plans to speak in the commons on the importance of this landmark event tomorrow.

She told Nub News: "The two ports have really played a blinder by pulling this all together. It is a huge thing for this borough and will stimulate prosperity and life back to Thurrock.

"Thurrock is the ports capital of the UK and the ports of London have played their role in making London one of the richest places in the world. a share of those riches should now come to Thurrock."

The Treasury says the new rollout of Freeports will be "on a scale we've never done before".

It describes the move as "a policy to bring investment, trade, and most importantly, jobs right across the country".

In the budget documentation, it adds: "Internationally, a Freeport is a place to carry out business inside a country's land border but where different customs rules apply.

"The UK's bespoke, flexible Freeports model goes further, combining customs zones with tax reliefs, planning freedoms and support for regeneration and innovation."