The UK freight and transport sectors have united to celebrate Keir Mather gaining logistics as part of his new role as Minister for Maritime, Aviation and Logistics.

Announced in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s latest ministerial round, the dedicated role follows years of coordinated industry campaigning. The creation of a specialist post directly answers calls from the Alliance of Logistics Trade Associations (ALTA) to give the sector a clear voice at the heart of government.

Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK’s chief executive, said: “The expansion of Mr Mather’s role now demonstrates the critical role that logistics can play in the rejuvenation of the UK’s economy and shows that the Government is listening to us.

“Nothing moves in the economy without the input of logistics businesses,” he continued, “whether that is home building, manufacturing, or the work of the retail sector. Our industry is key to the provision of every item that the UK needs to grow and flourish, and we look forward to working closely with Minister Mather and his team to help power the Government’s plans for growth in the coming months.”

Logistics is one of the UK economy’s success stories, but there is still more it can do to help drive the economy forwards, said Fletcher.

“Our sector already contributes £175bn in GVA every year and employs 8% of the UK’s workforce: in fact, our industry enables more than £1trn of international trade every year. But we can and want to do more – independent research by Oxford Economics in 2023 found that the sector has the potential to boost UK economic growth by a further £8bn a year, something we are keen to work closely with Minister Mather and his team on in the coming months.”

Richard Smith, managing director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said the appointment proves the power of unified lobbying.

“Having clear ministerial focus provides an important opportunity to ensure our sector has a strong voice in government. This recognition demonstrates the strength of a collective industry voice.”

The RHA also welcomed the Minister’s comments recognising the contribution of the industry body, amongst others, in making the case for the creation of this role.

“That recognition matters, but more importantly it demonstrates the strength of a collective industry voice and what can be achieved through sustained, constructive engagement with government.”

Smith said the next step is about partnership and delivery.

“Representing HGV, coach and van operators across all four nations, we can support the Minister with evidence, insight and, critically, the real-world experience of businesses operating every day across our roads.

“There is plenty to work on together: infrastructure investment, skills, decarbonisation, facilities, international trade, regulation and the cost pressures facing operators.

“We will continue to advocate for a National Freight Plan that recognises logistics as critical national infrastructure and provides businesses with the long-term certainty and confidence they need to invest.

“Creating the role is an important step. What matters now is what we collectively achieve through it – bringing government and industry together to develop practical, evidence-based policy that recognises logistics as an enabler of economic growth, productivity and thriving communities across the UK.”