On the Road – Logistics UK’s CEO discusses trade and logistics prospects in the face of conflict in Iran

Meeting with Chris Ward, Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Office 

CEO Ben Fletcher and Head of Trade Policy James Mills met with Chris Ward MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, to discuss how fixing UK-EU trade frictions can support trade-led growth, ahead of the 2026 Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) Review.

They focused on the practical impart of non-tariff barriers at the border, which are now a structural cost for business, and how duplication in areas such as SPS checks, certification and data requirements is increasing costs across supply chains and impacting prices and investment decisions.

Practical solutions such as progress on an UK-EU SPS agreement, delivery of the Single Trade Window and stronger regulatory cooperation will prevent new barriers from emerging. Improving reliability and finding a solution to the 90/180 issue facing many of Logistics UK’s members was also an issue raised on the agenda.

Meeting with Rt Hon Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Mr Fletcher met with Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to discuss the prospects for trade and logistics in the face of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Ben Fletcher reiterated the concerns of the logistics sector in the face of rising fuel prices and duty payments, stressing that logistics continues to deliver for the UK economy despite ongoing pressures.