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Logistics UK submits key asks to Scottish Parliament ahead of elections
Logistics UK has produced a nine-page manifesto which it will send to Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections on 6 May.
The document outlines the key areas where the freight and logistics industry can support the Scottish Government’s transport ambitions for the future.
ENVIRONMENT
The Scottish Government’s target of net-zero emissions by 2045 provides a clear environmental goal for logistics. Logistics UK has made five key asks for the environment, ranging from the need to support Scottish Government in exploring and trialling alternatively-fuelled transport solutions to calling for both the UK and Scottish governments to intervene to bring forward the market in cleaner, low-carbon HGVs.
ECONOMY
For Scotland to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, goods and services need to be able to move freely around the country, from the cities of the Central Belt to rural Highland and island communities. Logistics UK’s key ask for the economy is to ensure logistics operations in Scotland are not unfairly targeted or penalised when Scottish Government or local authorities legislate for strategic changes in Scotland’s towns and cities.
CONNECTIVITY
Scotland is a net exporter, largely owing to its food and whisky exports to global markets. The manifesto underlines how continued investment in maintaining and upgrading Scotland’s internal road and rail network and efficient cross-border links are essential to the Scottish economy. Logistics UK’s key ask for connectivity is to secure future investment in Scotland’s infrastructure to ensure it remains economically competitive and not disadvantaged by its geography.
MULITMODAL
Logistics UK’s key ask for multimodal is to secure capacity and maximise the use of rail for freight traffic where appropriate, as well as fully utilise other air and sea modes where practicable and financially viable; this will support the Scottish Government’s vision for carbon reduction in transport.
SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT
Alongside its request to government to secure funding resources and training avenues for Scottish logistics businesses to utilise Apprenticeship/Training Levy commitments, Logistics UK is asking the Scottish Government to provide access to funding to help businesses, quickly retrain those who have been made redundant during the current economic crisis and restart their career in logistics.
Margaret Simpson, Head of Policy – Scotland and North, Logistics UK, said: “Our manifesto is about raising awareness about the importance of freight to the Scottish economy, and reminding the MSPs and the politicians in Scottish Government that we are literally at the end of the supply chain. It is important for us to join up as a United Kingdom to allow Scottish businesses to take advantage of available export opportunities.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns/delivering-for-scotland
Published On: 11/03/2021 17:00:38
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