Trade unions have unanimously passed a motion [1] at the TUC’s North West conference calling on the Executive to support efforts to progress non-road alternatives to port access.
The motion was put forward by Prospect [2]; a union with over 150,000 members across a range of professions, including engineers, scientists, managers and civil servants.
It acknowledged that the expansion of the Port of Liverpool could bring benefits to the Liverpool City Region but noted that it was “deeply concerned” that the government chose to appoint National Highways, leading to the current road proposal [3]. The motion stated that the plan “does not sit well with the (TUC’s) green agenda and the pursuit of NetZero” and that the loss of Rimrose Valley Country Park would be “a devastating blow” to the borough of Sefton.
It added that “alternative solutions would create long-term high-quality jobs”. Such alternatives could include the pioneering freight pipeline, put forward by Sefton Council’s 2020 ARUP report [4]. It concludes with an action for the Executive to engage with campaigners, Sefton Council, local MPs, the LCR’s Metro Mayor and the Department of Transport on the issue.
Jez Stewart, National Secretary at Prospect said:
“As a resident of South Sefton and a regular user of Rimrose Valley, I was keen to put forward this motion and I am delighted that it was passed unanimously at conference, having been seconded by our sister union, PCS [5].
“It has now been formally adopted as TUC North West policy and I look forward to seeing them support efforts to secure a better outcome for Sefton residents and the environment. The motion acknowledges the importance of the Port of Liverpool, but its expansion cannot come at any cost. It is fantastic that conference agreed with this position.”
Responding to the latest development, Stuart Bennett of Save Rimrose Valley said:
“We’ve known for some time that many union members supported our campaign, but having official backing is a fantastic endorsement and represents a significant breakthrough.
“We need forward-thinking solutions to port infrastructure which urgently address the climate emergency AND reduce the impact of port-related HGV traffic on our communities. Our friends and neighbours all along the A5036 are suffering today. You don’t solve a problem by simply shifting it elsewhere. We need fresh ideas and a vision for a better future. We are looking forward to working with TUC North West on this and can’t wait to get started.”
ENDS
[1] TUC’s North West conference took place on Saturday 26th March. Copy of motion available on request
[2] Link to Prospect’s website:
[3] Link to summary of Port of Liverpool Access Scheme:
[4] Link to Sefton Council’s ARUP report which documents viable and sustainable alternatives to the movement of freight containers in and out of ports, which our campaign supports
[5] Link to PCS’ website: