Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones hails “powerhouse” UK logistics sector

In a wide-ranging address, the Minister described logistics as “a powerhouse” recognising the importance of the sector to the whole economy saying that logistics “needs to be the thread that runs through all government strategies.” 

With growth and job creation a top priority for the government, the Minister said that it was important for logistics to be considered in all areas of policy decisions, even suggesting that logistics could determine the overall success of the government. 

Noting that the sector spans the responsibilities of multiple departments, the Minister recognised that navigation through government can be challenging but still stressed the importance of a partnership approach between government and industry: “The logistics industry needs to challenge the government, and government needs to challenge the logistics sector,” she said. 

Addressing international trade, the Minister said the government wanted to create a “trade environment that works with you and not against you,” and suggested that decarbonisation was an economic opportunity rather than a burden. 

The Minister was joined on stage by Logistics UK President Phil Roe for a Q&A discussion and speaking after the session he said, “It is very encouraging that the Minister was so positive towards the sector and recognises the contribution UK logistics can make in delivering growth across the economy.

"It was also interesting to hear her appreciate some of the challenges the sector can face when talking to government as logistics spans the responsibilities of multiple departments.

"This is precisely why we have been calling for a cross-Departmental Minister of Logistics to help join up decision making across government and take a holistic approach to our sector which will be instrumental in the government achieving its growth mission.”