Logistics UK reiterates call for dedicated logistics minister following election announcement

Logistics UK has reiterated its call for the creation of a dedicated logistics and supply chain minister following the announcement of a general election in the country on July 4.

The business group urged all political parties to include the organisation’s call for the appointment of a minister for logistics and supply chain by the UK’s next government in their election manifestos.

Logistics UK said that supply chains are vital to drive economic growth across the whole economy.

Chief executive David Wells said: “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.

“Innovative, integrated infrastructure backed by a national logistics network will deliver efficiencies and opportunities that can benefit us all. Giving logistics a voice at the heart of government would ensure that the needs of industry and business are heard and that our sector can work with government to drive up the country’s productivity.”

The call was made as part of the organisation’s election manifesto.

The manifesto was launched alongside a survey commissioned by Logistics UK that showed fewer than a third of 2,000 adults think the government is doing enough to support the transport sector.

“The public understands how vital logistics is and, rightly, does not think the government is doing enough to support the industry,” added Wells.

“Our sector, which services every part of the UK’s economy, would deliver up to £7.9bn per year in productivity-led growth if backed by the right government policies, as well as creating jobs and trading opportunities both domestically and overseas.”

Logistics UK calls for dedicated logistics and supply chain minister