Eight locations in England given freeport status

Eight English sites have had their bids for freeport status approved by the British government, which sees them as a key part of its post-Brexit economic model.

The new freeports will be based in East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe and Harwich, Humber, Liverpool city region, Plymouth, Solent, Thames and Teesside.

The locations will be special economic zones, benefiting from tax relief, simplified customs procedures and wider government support, in an effort to make doing business easier and cheaper.