The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freight and Logistics has been re-established following the General Election, bringing together parliamentarians and industry stakeholders from across the UK, to highlight the importance of the sector to the UK economy.

The group said it will also focus on the wider benefits this critical industry brings to the daily lives of people throughout the country.

The group’s first meeting was addressed by Lilian Greenwood MP, the Minister for the Future of Roads who highlighted how road freight and logistics are central to the mission-led government, particularly their plans to grow the economy.

She also spoke about the sector being a key enabler to growth, pointing at the importance of it reliably transporting goods across the country.

The minister addressed the challenges facing the industry, including the incoming Entry Exit System changes at ports, poor driver facilities, diversity in the sector and economically stifling planning policy.

Rachel Taylor MP has been elected chair. Also elected to officer roles are Andrew Pakes MP, Lord Taylor of Holbeach and Richard Holden MP. 

Fifteen MPs joined the inaugural meeting in person, with the group totalling 40 members - a record number for the group.

Over the next year, the group’s programme of work will include sessions on facilities, international issues, the road to net zero and diversity in the sector.

The group will also launch a new freight crime report and a driver welfare campaign

APPG Chair, Rachel Taylor MP said: “I am delighted to receive the unanimous support of members for the APPG for Freight and Logistics as chair. It’s important to work across all parties to ensure the needs of the sector are addressed especially in relation to freight crime, insolvency and addressing the needs of workers.

“Logistics is central to the economy in my constituency of North Warwickshire and Bedworth, and I look forward to representing the views of local businesses and the wider industry across the country over the next Parliament.

“It was a pleasure for the group to be addressed by Minister Lilian Greenwood. As Lilian rightly outlined this sector is a key economic growth enabler and I look forward to working with her and all members of the APPG to support the industry in Westminster and at home.”

RHA public affairs manager, Ferdy Willans said: “Since the General Election we have worked hard to raise the profile of our sector with new MPs. We are therefore delighted that the APPG for Freight and Logistics’ inaugural meeting was so popular and a real indication that the importance of our sector is recognised by so many in Westminster.”

 

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