North West Leicestershire's Green Party representative has expressed 'deep concern' over the implications of the East Midlands Freeport. 

And he says that Chancellor Rachel Reeves should 'reconsider her support' for England's only inland freeport near East Midlands Airport.

The Chancellor last week backed the investment plans.

The BBC website reports that she said developing a logistics and manufacturing site near Castle Donington was "a clear demonstration of the UK's strength as a hub for innovation".

The freeport scheme, which was given formal Government approval in 2023, seeks to use tax incentives to attract investment to three areas.

That includes East Midlands Airport and Segro Logistics Park in Leicestershire. The scheme at Castle Donington is currently in the hands of North West Leicestershire District Council planners.

But the district's Green Party representative - and Ashby councillor - Carl Benfield said in a statement: "While the Green Party recognises the need for economic development and job creation in the East Midlands, we are deeply concerned about the environmental and social implications of the East Midlands Freeport. 

"Freeports, by their very nature, risk becoming hubs for deregulation, tax avoidance, and environmental degradation. 

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Photo: Dreamstime

"They often prioritise short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability, undermining our collective efforts to combat the climate crisis and protect our communities. The East Midlands is already home to some of the most deprived areas in the country. 

"Instead of pursuing a model that could exacerbate inequality and harm the environment, we urge the government to invest in a green industrial strategy that creates high-quality, sustainable jobs while safeguarding our natural world. 

"The Green Party advocates for a just transition to a green economy, with investments in renewable energy, public transport, and retrofitting homes to improve energy efficiency. 

"These measures would not only address the climate emergency but also provide meaningful employment opportunities for local residents. 

"We call on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider her support for the East Midlands Freeport and instead prioritise policies that align with the UK's climate commitments and promote social justice. 

"The East Midlands deserves a future that is both economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable."