THE EU is pushing through the Ports Services Regulation which while relevant to larger European ports which receive significant state aid is certainly not appropriate to the myriad of smaller commercial UK ports including our well run Welsh ports.

The UK Major Ports Group which represents Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Barry and Port Talbot have issued a statement stating they “strongly oppose the proposed EU Port Services Regulation.

The proposal aims to regulate market access to port services, port charges and financial transparency.

We believe the regulation could have serious negative consequences for job creation and investment in the EU port sector.”

The British Ports Association (BPA), which includes all affected Welsh ports as members including Milford Haven and Fishguard, acknowledges the proposals may “be more relevant to continental ports, but is concerned that the proposals will not add value to the UK port sector” if further states “We are not aware of any particular pressure from new market entrants but as distinct from most continental ports services in UK ports are very often carried out by the port itself. UK ports wish to continue with this arrangement, and there are options to do so [under the proposals], but there is considerable bureaucracy involved.

It would again seem that the one size fits all mantra of the EU is set to destroy UK jobs and it is up to everyone who wants our ports to continue to provide local jobs to lobby the Welsh Assembly and the Westminster Parliament to reject this unnecessary regulation.

STEPHEN WEEDON

Spittal