A request to the prime minister

British Ports Association and 10 trade bodies have come together to write a letter asking the prime minister to prioritise the logistics sector.

This month, the British Ports Association joined forces with 10 other key logistics trade associations in a collaborative effort, advocating for the appointment of a dedicated logistics minister who would be tasked with spearheading the expansion of the UK’s economic framework.

This was done through a joint missive addressed to the prime minister and political leaders across the UK.

This endeavour is particularly promising for sustainability, with aims of enhancing trade growth andproductivity,providedtheright policy framework is established.

The collective pledge is an attempt to cooperate with the government to confront challenges head-on and forge a path towards a prosperous future.

The letter states: “The logistics sector is crucial to addressing the strategic and economic challenges facing the UK in its mission to get growth going.

“It connects the UK to new markets, is investing in innovation and skills, and is embracing the decarbonisation agenda. We want to work in partnership to take the UK forward and urge you to meet with us to discuss how.”

Commenting on the letter,

Richard Ballantyne, the chief executive of the British Ports Association, the national trade body for the ports sector (whose members facilitate 86% of the UK’s seaborne trade), said: “Freight and logistics are essential to the UK economy and largely independent of government, but we do need some assistance from policy makers.

“There is work to be done on transport connectivity, decarbonisation, skills and trade, and as a coalition of sectors we would like to see the government give us more recognition and support to help drive growth and jobs in the UK.”

Freight and logistics are essential to the UK economy.