I am delighted that Holyhead was mentioned in the Budget, that the Chancellor is committed to new nuclear and that I as the MP for Ynys Môn had a name check!
The Chancellor has confirmed in his Budget that the UK government will contribute £20m to the refurbishment of the Holyhead Breakwater.
The Victorian Breakwater at 2.4km long is one of the longest breakwaters in Europe.
It plays a very important part in protecting the port and the town of Holyhead from flooding.
Holyhead port is a major local employer and as the second busiest RoRo port in the UK - a critical part of the UK’s transport infrastructure - and is in urgent need of repair.
When I began leading the Anglesey Freeport project in 2020 it was clear that the degradation of the breakwater was a significant issue for the long-term viability of the port and Ynys Môn as a whole.
Whilst 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 for the maintenance and upkeep of the breakwater 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 Stena Line UKIE , Isle of Anglesey County Council and the Labour Government in Wales the cost of the repairs is significant and so I Iobbied the UK Government in meetings with Ministers and in the chamber to support this critical programme of work.
This £20m investment - in addition to the recent £17m levelling up award for Holyhead - demonstrates that the UK government understands our unique position and is fully committed to the long term success of Anglesey.