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Logistics UK policy wins
Logistics UK's policy team are working hard for our members all the time and representing them to government.
The Competition and Markets Authority announces decision on the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation
Logistics UK is delighted that on 9 February, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed it will not recommend to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade that the Liner Shipping Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (CBER) be replaced with a UK block exemption, when the CBER expires on 25 April 2024.
Logistics UK responded to two CMA consultations last year (2023), writing that it was not in favour of replacing the CBER with a UK Block Exemption and that the regulation should lapse on its expiry date of 25 April 224 without replacement.
In the consultation responses, Logistics UK offered constructive alternative solutions to retain the benefits of vessel sharing agreements and maintain competitive advantage while avoiding distortions of competition between ports and minimising the risk of abuse and anticompetitive behaviours. The group also reiterated its call for a coordinated approach between the UK and other jurisdictions worldwide given the global nature of the liner shipping industry.
Logistics UK therefore welcomed this announcement and will continue to represent member views on this subject. 
The Department for Transport published Rail Growth Target
At the end of last year (2023), the Secretary of State for Transport announced the rail freight growth target – for at least 75% growth in freight carried by rail by 2050.
Logistics UK has long been calling for a rail freight growth target to be set and responded to the call for evidence on designing and delivering rail freight target options for the rail network, which was live in 2022. In its response, the business group outlined the need for a step change from Great British Railways and the government, calling for the four ‘Cs’ to support a rail growth target:
- Clarity on priority routes for rail freight.
- Clarity on pricing.
- Commitment now to electrification of key freight paths.
- Clarity on hydrogen and fuels.
Feedback from the call for evidence was collected and used by the Great British Railways Transition Team to develop an evidence-led analytical framework to produce options for a stretching but realistic target. This advice was presented to the Secretary of State in October 2023.
Logistics UK will continue to work to represent rail freight users and operators and highlight the benefits that rail freight can bring in terms of securing economic, social and environmental benefits to the UK.
Published On: 07/03/2024 16:00:00
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