The Government has reconfirmed its commitment to freeports – including Solent Freeport – in a newly published 10-year industrial strategy document.

The 160-page paper, The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, is designed to boost economic growth, with the ultimate aim of making the UK the best country to invest in anywhere in the world.

Published alongside it is the Industrial Strategy Zones Action Plan, which sets out future policy for freeports, and the June 2025 UK Freeports Programme Report, which looks back at how freeports have evolved.

The Government says “Freeports across the UK have attracted £6.4 billion of investment to date. We are committed to Freeports as well as Investment Zones but recognise that we must do more to make them a success.

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Full reports:

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685854d15225e4ed0bf3ceba/industrial_strategy_policy_paper.pdf

Industrial Strategy Zones Action Plan: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy-zones-action-plan/industrial-strategy-zones-action-plan

UK Freeports Programme Report: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68591ec735070b6957ab9088/Freeports_Programme_Report_June_2025.pdf