Logistics UK’s top policy wins of 2025

The headline victories from an eventful year.

Importance of logistics recognised in Industrial Strategy

A dedicated section on freight and logistics was included in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, recognising the sector’s importance to the UK economy and competitiveness. It also referenced Oxford Economics’ report, commissioned by Logistics UK, on the link between logistics performance and UK productivity.

Logistics UK engaged extensively with government and Parliament ahead of the strategy’s publication to press for sector recognition. This included hosting Minister for Industry Sarah Jones at our inaugural Annual Conference; coordinating a letter from the CEOs of 30 major UK businesses to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds; holding a cross-party Parliamentary drop-in to brief MPs; convening a roundtable in Parliament to highlight how logistics underpins the government’s growth-driving sectors; briefing the government’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council; and providing data and insight based on information members have shared with us.

Commitment to develop a new Freight Plan

In the Industrial Strategy, the government confirmed that it would work with the industry on a new plan for freight and logistics, providing a key opportunity to strengthen the sector’s position. The Transport Secretary noted the plan would set out a vision-led strategy for Britain’s goods movement, moving beyond the traditional predict and provide approach. Logistics UK has consistently called for the government to have a coherent plan for logistics and has been engaging on areas of focus as the plan is developed, with publication now expected in the New Year.

New Minister responsible for freight and borders

Following a government reshuffle, the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that Keir Mather MP had been appointed Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation with responsibility for freight and borders. This change signals the strategic importance of the logistics sector, with Logistics UK long calling for cross-departmental, dedicated logistics and supply chain ministerial representation. We consistently raised this ask when engaging with government, speaking at events, sharing manifestos and engaging in policy consultations.

Regulatory flexibility for zero-emission vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes

Following extensive engagement by Logistics UK, the DfT has committed to introducing draft legislation to address key regulatory barriers to adopting battery electric vehicles up to 4.25t. This follows an announcement in May, following work done by Logistics UK, confirming the Statutory Instrument for the repeal of the five hours of training requirement and repeal of the prohibition of towing for Cat B licence holders in zero-emission vans up to 4.25t was approved.

This latest announcement includes vehicles being moved into scope of the class 7 MOT testing system, with a first test three years from registration and exploring options for moving these vehicles from assimilated driver’s hours rules, into the scope of GB domestic hours rules.

Extension of the Mode Shift Revenue Support and Waterborne Freight Grant schemes

DfT confirmed that the schemes have been rolled over and extended until 31 March 2026. Logistics UK highlighted that mode shift grants have been instrumental in facilitating the transfer of freight from road to alternative transportation modes and how these grants play a critical role in addressing key environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Government announced changes to apprenticeship requirements

The government announced changes to apprenticeships, giving employers greater flexibility over how maths and English requirements are applied for those aged 19+. These changes will encourage more people to take up vocational training across the logistics sector by removing barriers to entry, while still ensuring that apprentices develop the numeracy and literacy skills required for their jobs.

Government confirms support for strategic infrastructure projects

The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered a speech outlining the government’s plans for economic growth and confirmed support for a number of nationally significant infrastructure projects. The announcement formed part of the new 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, which set out long-term plans to deliver and improve infrastructure and drive growth.

The strategy recognised the importance of the logistics sector in boosting productivity and competitiveness, highlighting that strong transport connections were essential for efficient trade and the movement of goods.

Key commitments included an initial £590 million of funding for the Lower Thames Crossing and £24 billion of capital investment up to 2030 to maintain and upgrade motorways and local roads, including £1 billion for a new Structures Fund to repair major assets such as bridges and flyovers. In addition, the government confirmed continued support for a third runway at Heathrow and a partnership between Prologis and East Midlands Airport to deliver a new logistics and manufacturing hub.

New maritime strategy published

The Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy outlines plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. Logistics UK has been calling for a new strategy to replace the 2019 Clean Maritime Plan and welcomed the announcement. Members have made it clear that government direction and support is needed to enable net zero shipping to become a reality.

Multi-vehicle permit look-up tool launched for Direct Vision Standard (DVS)

Following campaigning by Logistics UK, Transport for London launched a multi-vehicle look-up tool to check the permit status of vehicles to confirm if they have an existing DVS permit, or if an application for a permit is needed. Up until the change, operators could only check individual vehicles, whereas following the launch of the new tool, a maximum of 150 vehicles can be checked in one request.

EU Entry/Exit System to have a phased implementation

Following calls for a pragmatic approach, the EU’s new border checks, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES) had a phased introduction, starting on 12 October. The checks require British and non-EU citizens to provide biometric data at all Schengen area entry and exit points. Rather than 100% checks being completed from day one, it was announced that a six month phased implementation would be rolled-out. The implementation started with 10% of checks and is set to rise to 30% after three months. Ultimately it will be at 100% after six months. Logistics UK advocated strongly for a need for government to take a staggered approach to the new biometric checks.