Council excludes P&O Ferries from Cairnryan green freeport bid

Dumfries and Galloway Council has been in talks with ferry companies about the green freeport bid

A council has voted to exclude P&O Ferries from its bid to create a green freeport at Cairnryan after the company sacked 800 staff via video message.

The local authority in Dumfries and Galloway said the ferry firm had "no place" in its plans.

An emergency motion expressed the council's disgust at P&O's actions and bid to bring in agency workers.

It said that was incompatible with the fair work practices required of bidders for a green freeport.

The UK government announced eight freeport sites in England last year to benefit from special tax, duty and customs rules.

The Scottish government wants to adapt the plans to focus on fair work practices and delivering a net zero economy with two locations to be chosen later this year.

Dumfries and Galloway Council heard last year how securing the status for Cairnryan - which has both P&O and Stena Line ferry terminals - could unlock investment worth £25m.

There have been protests at the Scottish port following P&O's actions

It has been in talks with both firms about taking a SouthWest Euro Gateway project forward.

However, it has now decided P&O - whose sackings affect about 40 staff at Cairnryan - should no longer be part of its proposals because of its failure to follow fair work practices.

The council agreed by 24 votes to nine to exclude the firm from its efforts to secure the status.