Trade groups lay out general election priorities
Transport trade associations have responded to the decision by prime minister Rishi Sunak to call a general election for 4 July by outlining their key priorities for the industry.
“Now that the general election campaign is here, we look forward to studying and analysing the proposals the various parties have for our industry,” said Richard Smith, managing director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
“The people of our industry, across the road haulage, commercial vehicle, and road transport sector, are a large and motivated electorate. We are an economic enabler that plays a key role in keeping goods and people moving throughout the United Kingdom.
“Whoever forms the next government will need to listen to the voices and concerns of industry seriously when planning for the future. Our members want to collaborate with decision-makers who understand the vital part our sector plays in driving growth and keeping Britain’s supply-chain moving.”
RHA highlighted six key priority areas for the next government to consider, which it said it would be ‘spotlighting’ during the course of the election campaign: regular engagement and collaboration with the industry, skills reform, roads investment, driver facilities and safer parking, measures to support economic growth, and a net zero roadmap.
“It’s important to our members and the industry that that these issues are meaningfully considered and discussed,” said Mr Smith.
“We look forward to continuing that conversation.”
Meanwhile, Logistics UK responded to the prime minister’s announcement by reiterating its call for the appointment of a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain, urging all political parties to include the policy in their election manifestos.
“Whether manufacturing or retail, healthcare or education, every part of our economy relies upon logistics to provide all the goods needed to generate business and growth,” said Logistics UK chief executive David Wells.
He added: “The public understands how vital logistics is and, rightly, does not think the government is doing enough to support the industry…
“The establishment of a cross-Whitehall Logistics Productivity Forum, led by a dedicated logistics and supply chain government minister, would ensure that benefits from our sector can be delivered to the whole economy.”
The organisation’s 2024 manifesto calls for measures including skills partnerships and reforms to funding models “to ensure a continued pipeline of talent is attracted to the sector”; continued support for the awareness-raising Generation Logistics campaign; innovative and integrated infrastructure and investment in a national logistics network; a fair transition to a green economy with an agreed net zero roadmap; and reduced border friction through new and expanded trading relationships with Europe and the wider world.
