London, UK: Logistics UK met ministers from the Labour and Conservative parties this week to discuss thorny topics such as decarbonisation, longer semi-trailers, the Border Operating Model and having a minister dedicated to logistics.
Logistics UK hosted meetings between members, secretary of state for transport Mark Harper and the shadow financial secretary to the Treasury James Murray, to ensure that the opinions of the sector continue to be heard by policymakers on both sides of the house in the run-up to the general election.
Logistics UK said that Harper talked about government policy in relation to skills, decarbonisation, and innovation, and topics discussed with him included longer-semi trailers and challenges around loss of payload from electric vehicles, driver welfare facilities, the Border Target Operating Model and moving more freight from road to rail.
Meanwhile, Murray spoke of the importance of stability and predictability in government policy and regulation for businesses. He also highlighted ways in which any future Labour administration could work in partnership with the logistics industry.
“We all know how important it is that our industry’s views are heard by government and it has been encouraging to welcome both minister Harper and shadow minister Murray to talk to members about their concerns this week,” said Logistics UK policy director Kevin Green.
“As well as sharing their parties’ plans for the future growth of the economy, both were interested in hearing the challenges facing our sector and discussed ways that the industry can make progress, most noticeably in taking the next step towards a net zero future.
“In both meetings, we took the opportunity to reiterate the industry’s calls for a dedicated minister responsible for logistics to be appointed after the general election, as this will ensure the contribution that our sector can play in the country’s future economic success is maximized through joined-up planning and delivery.”
Further meetings with key political representatives are planned, including in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
