Two Scottish freeports get green light after SNP drop opposition in year-long naming row

Two new freeports will deliver a "truly transformational" economic boost to Scotland, Boris Johnson has pledged, after the SNP finally agreed to back the plans following a "petty" year-long row about what they would be called. 'Petty point scoring' However, Ian Murray, the Shadow Scottish Secretary, accused both governments of "petty point scoring" in their long-running row over whether freeports would go ahead. 'Agreement enshrines the Scottish Government's commitment to achieving net zero' Michael Gove, the Housing Secretary, is also believed to have been influential by securing seed funding for a second port, which SNP ministers had refused to pay for, from his departmental budget. Ms Forbes said: "I am pleased we have been able to reach an agreement on a joint approach that recognises the distinct needs of Scotland's economy and enshrines the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving net zero and embedding fair work practices through public investment."