France set to buy Dover
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE PORT of Dover is set to be sold to the burghers of Calais in a privatisation move that jeopardises a marginal Conservative seat, writes Paul Routledge.
The French want to buy Britain's busiest cross-Channel port to safeguard their share of the ferry trade.
Dover Harbour is valued at pounds 150m, which would be paid by French taxpayers as Calais is state-owned.
Glenda Jackson MP, Opposition spokeswoman on Transport, said: "Last week, Michael Portillo was bragging about fighting them on the beaches - now his government is preparing to sell our beaches to the highest European bidder."
Dover Harbour Board has told Sir George Young, Secretary of State for Transport, that it is not opposed to privatisation, but wants a delay of at least two years so that the ferry companies can show they are able to compete against the Channel Tunnel.
Dover MP David Shaw is in favour of privatisation. His majority at the general election was only 836 votes, and Ms Jackson is to visit the constituency on Wednesday to open a campaign against the sell-off.
The DoT is expected to rule shortly on whether privatisation can be delayed. But in one of his last acts as Transport Secretary, Brian Mawhinney said the government was "minded" to push through the sell-off of Dover and two other ports resisting privatisation - Ipswich and Tyne Dock.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments