Chris Grayling has retained his position as transport secretary after a cabinet reshuffle following last week’s general election.
The reshuffle also sees Michael Gove return to the cabinet as environment secretary. One of Gove’s first challenges will be implementing Defra's much delayed air quality plan proposals, which will be revealed by 31 July.
Despite the addition of prominent EU referendum leave campaigner Gove, the reshuffle has also seen the promotion of remainers Damien Greene and David Lidington.
Green has taken on the role of first secretary of state, making him second in command to Prime Minister Theresa May, whilst former House of Commons leader David Lidington has been promoted to justice secretary.
Both the RHA and FTA expressed hope that the ministerial changes might see a Brexit deal that better supports the logistics sector.
Jack Semple, policy director at the RHA, said: “The government needs to be much clearer about how goods imports and exports would work outside the customs union than it has been so far.
"The consequence of delays to goods movements could be catastrophic for UK trade with the EU, by seriously undermining the service levels the road haulage industry provides.”
FTA deputy chief executive James Hookham called, again, for a softer Brexit following the election result.
He said: “The importance of frictionless arrangements for UK trade with the EU -particularly with Ireland - means the decision to leave the customs union should be reviewed as a matter of urgency, and other ways of achieving a positive outcome for Brexit should now be considered.”
The election saw road transport industry supporters Rob Flello and Jane Ellison lose their seats.
