Member Article

MEP pleased by progress on Liverpool Port dispute

North East objection’s to the use of the City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal for turnaround calls have been heard by the Government, who have now begun to address the impact the change could have on the Port of Tyne.

In 2011 the Department for Transport consulted on proposals from Liverpool City Council to alter the use of the City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal to allow turnaround calls. This provision was strongly disputed by North East Conservative MEP Martin Callanan, who was concerned about the damage this could do to other Ports in the region.

However, The Department have now proposed to lift its objections to the removal of a grant condition which precludes the use of the terminal for turnaround operations, in return for the phased repayment of £5.3 million on grants.

Liverpool Council received £21 million in public funding, and in light of this additional funding, the Department is now seeking independent advice on a more appropriate repayment figure.

Commenting on the news, Mr Callanan said: “It is good news that the Government has accepted my argument that Liverpool City Council’s proposal would have an adverse impact of other ports such as the Port of Tyne.

“I remain of the view that if Liverpool City Council wants to tear up the agreement it happily entered into, all of the public subsidy should be repaid. I will continue to put this case to both the UK Government and the Commission.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .