Logistics UK has launched its Election Manifesto, calling for the next government to appoint a dedicated logistics and supply chain minister.
Endorsed by senior leaders from across the sector, the 2024 Manifesto stresses that focusing on investment and growth in the logistics industry would bring dividends for the UK’s whole economy.
Chief executive David Wells said 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.
He added: “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.”
In addition to the appointment of a new minister, the logistics sector – which contributes more than £160bn a year to the UK’s economy, is pressing politicians to establish key measures including skills partnerships and reforms to funding models to ensure a continued pipeline of talent is attracted into the sector.
It’s also pressing for an innovative and integrated infrastructure, backed by investment in a national logistics network, plus a fair transition to a green economy, underpinned by an agreed roadmap to net zero, depending on the availability of technology, infrastructure investment, regulatory reform and tax incentives.
Logistics UK is also calling for backing for trade as a driver of innovation and productivity, with reduced border friction through new and expanded trading relationships with Europe and the rest of the world.
The manifesto is accompanied by new survey data showing fewer than a third of adults think the Government is doing enough to support the vital logistics sector.
The Ipsos survey of more than 2,000 adults reveals four in five agree that the strength of the UK’s economy depends on having an efficient logistics sector that delivers goods in a timely and cost-effective way.
The research also shows that the UK public believes growing the economy and creating jobs should be the Government’s top priority around policies for logistics, followed by keeping the costs of goods down for customers.
“The public understands how vital logistics is and, rightly, does not think the government is doing enough to support the industry,” continued 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.”
As the logistics industry continues to face inflationary pressures, Wells confirmed that a key priority for the sector is the continued ability to keep costs down and stable, especially as it increases investment in the transition to green technologies.
“Logistics businesses operate on particularly narrow margins, with limited funds currently available for investment in new technologies,” he continued. “We continue to press for a dynamic mechanism for fuel duty to be introduced, with tax incentives for the use and production of alternative low-carbon fuels, to keep business costs down and ensure that the sector can invest effectively in a green future.”
Logistics UK will distribute its 2024 Election Manifesto to all political parties ahead of the general election, with the request that its policy proposals be incorporated into the parties’ own manifestos as they begin campaigning.
The full Logistics UK 2024 Manifesto can be found here.
