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The transport and logistics industry’s letter to the Chancellor in full (16 October 2023)
As reported in this week’s Logistics Magazine, industry bodies across the logistics and transport sectors have called for a new approach to strategic transport infrastructure decisions to avoid disruption that increases costs and harms business confidence. This group has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, highlighting the need for a clear, long-term plan that endures across political cycles. The subsequent letter is documented in full below.
Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP
Chancellor of the Exchequer
HM Treasury
1 Horse Guards Road
Westminster
London
SW1A 2HQ
By email to public.enquiries@hmtreasury.gov.uk
16 October 2023
Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer,
As the five-yearly National Infrastructure Assessment approaches, our members are urging the government to adopt a new approach to strategic transport infrastructure decisions. The UK’s transport infrastructure needs a clear, long-term plan that endures across political cycles. Your Autumn Statement would be the perfect opportunity to commit to one, and we are calling on all parties to make this commitment in their manifestos for the next election.
Transport planning must deliver an integrated system, with journeys for people and freight taking place across multiple modes and needing to underpin housing and economic growth, and connect with energy and communications networks. Decisions made today have enduring consequences, both for consumers and businesses.
Transport plans cannot continue to be made in political cycles and stop-start decisions increase costs and harm business confidence. A clear and consistent investment pipeline, with transparency for business, will make sure that the right skills and resources are in place to deliver for the UK economy. If public investment is to be secured to support key infrastructure projects, we urge the government to be open minded and imaginative in proposing policies that unlock private investment. There is still no clear policy on funding for infrastructure, or private finance to support it, and this must be addressed.
Our members are the businesses and skilled workers keeping the UK moving. We would welcome the chance to discuss these proposals in greater detail.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells OBE, Chief Executive, Logistics UK
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, Railway Industry Association
Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive, British Ports Association
Clare Bottle FCILT, Chief Executive, UK Warehousing Association
Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General, Rail Freight Group
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns
Published On: 19/10/2023 14:30:00
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