Transport trade groups welcome new PM to post

Trade associations representing the road transport and automotive industries have welcomed the new prime minister Andy Burnham to his post, and outlined their priorities for his first months in office.

Congratulating the new PM on his appointment, Richard Smith, the managing director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) said Mr Burnham had inherited a ‘huge in-tray’, ranging from the cost-of-living crisis to international pressures.

“He will have a raft of plans to tackle these in the months and years ahead and we look forward to seeing that vision and how he will go about delivering it,” said Mr Smith.

“Our asks and priorities remain unchanged by a new PM taking office and we will continue to be a trusted partner to the government and Whitehall officials.

“He will recognise that the road transport and logistics sector – as a key economic enabler – plays a vital role in driving growth.

“Our industry is critical national infrastructure that quite literally keeps the country moving. And that’s why we urge the PM to deliver solutions which empower the haulage, coach and van sectors to help stimulate economic growth, and support businesses to invest and thrive.”

Mr Smith continued: “We remind the PM that 85 per cent of all goods in the UK are transported by road freight at some point. So, a much needed and clear National Freight Strategy would be a key enabler to unlock economic potential both regionally and nationally.

“We’re ready to work with his team, cross-party and cross-industry on devising and delivering this – and indeed on other government priorities that would spark the growth and prosperity we all want to see. We wish the prime minister every success.”

Ben Fletcher, chief executive of Logistics UK, also expressed his congratulations to Mr Burnham.

“Logistics UK looks forward to working closely with him and his government to deliver the economic and industrial growth the whole country needs, and ensure the logistics sector remains at the heart of a competitive and resilient UK economy,” he said.

Referring to Mr Burnham’s tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester, Mr Fletcher added that the ethos of ‘Manchesterism’ had been “a great example of how an economy and city can thrive with a clear plan that puts transport at its heart”.

“The UK’s logistics industry employs people in every constituency across the country,” he said.

“Our sector wants to work with the new government to take the best of ‘Manchesterism’ and turbocharge its delivery, linking up every town and city in the UK, as well as helping enable over a trillion pounds of international trade.

“Nothing moves without logistics and our sector will be vital to the UK’s reindustrialisation and growth plans. It underpins the economy, supporting businesses, homes and public services, employing eight per cent of the UK workforce and contributing £175 billion in GVA each year.”

Mr Fletcher continued: “Our sector’s hubs and workforce are embedded in communities across the country, providing skilled jobs, rewarding careers and enabling businesses to trade, domestically and internationally. As the government continues its drive for industrial growth and devolution, logistics has a key role to play in ensuring investment translates into improved standards of living and opportunities in every region and nation of the UK.”

Meanwhile the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) said it was hopeful that Mr Burnham would recognise the fundamental role of the automotive sector in the UK economy, in the context of a “deepening skills crisis” that it said was “threatening safety on UK roads”.

Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “We congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister and we genuinely welcome his stated commitment to re-industrialisation and to technical and vocational skills.

“However, before the general election, Labour promised to champion the motor industry – a sector fundamental to the UK’s economy and its social infrastructure. Two years on, that promise has not been delivered, and the skills gap in our sector has become a road safety issue.

“Vehicles are changing faster than at any point in history – electrification, connected systems, automated driving technology. The people who maintain, repair and recover them must be demonstrably competent, yet apprenticeship starts are falling and qualification levels are nowhere near where demand requires.

“The new prime minister has an immediate opportunity to put this right: mandate IMI TechSafe [the professional standard for vehicle technicians], protect the rigour of automotive apprenticeships, and give our 800,000-strong workforce the recognition and investment it deserves. The IMI is ready to work with him from day one.”

The IMI also warned that mixed messages on zero-emission vehicles had caused employers to pause investment in training.

“Whatever the final mandate parameters, the government must make clear that the transition to electric vehicles is irreversible and that skills investment must accelerate accordingly,” said the IMI.