Logistics UK highlights the sector’s role driving growth at Labour Party Conference

In his first speech to a Labour Party Conference as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said that we must “build a new Britain,” and that doing so will require difficult choices. Citing the example of pylons, he said if we want cheaper electricity, they need to be built above ground. Such grid infrastructure is crucial for the decarbonisation of logistics and other industries.  

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she will deliver “a budget for economic growth” and that the country will see “shovels in the ground, cranes in the sky.” 

Building on the growth theme, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh recommitted to deliver a 10-year infrastructure strategy and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he will soon set out the industrial strategy and, following that, a trade strategy.

In answer to a question from Ben Garratt – Deputy Director Public Affairs at Logistics UK, the Business Secretary added that the forthcoming industrial strategy will highlight the importance of the foundations of growth.

Another key theme at the conference was employment rights, with ministers highlighting the role that forthcoming employment reforms will play in sharing the benefits of growth.

Logistics UK leant into Labour’s growth mission, with a panel discussion sponsored by DHL and Segro. featuring newly elected Energy Security and Net Zero Committee Chair Bill Esterson MP, Logistics UK’s Policy and Communications Director Kevin Green, James Stephens, Vice President Corporate Affairs UK & Ireland of DHL, Neil Impiazzi, Partnership Development Director of SEGRO, Kate Willard OBE, Chair of Thames Estuary Growth Board, and chaired by PoliticsHome Political Editor Adam Payne.

During the debate, panellists highlighted the infrastructure, planning reform, decarbonisation, skills and trade reforms needed to boost growth.

Completing our engagement at the conference, Logistics UK CEO David Wells OBE, Scottish Shadow Cabinet Member for Net Zero, Energy and Just Transition Sarah Boyack MSP, and Heathrow Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer Nigel Milton, highlighted the importance of logistics to trade at a reception held in partnership between Logistics UK, Heathrow, Port of Dover, Rail Freight Group and Rail Partners. 

David Wells called for the government to work in partnership with our sector to find solutions to reduce trade barriers, and Sarah Boyack spoke of the importance of making smart decisions on infrastructure.

Across the conference, Logistics UK attended dozens of events, where we raised the importance of our sector to the government’s ambitions, including engaging with recently elected House of Commons Committee Chairs Ruth Cadbury (Transport), Liam Byrne (Business and Trade) and Bill Esterson (Energy Security and Net Zero). 

Next week, Logistics UK is off to Conservative Party Conference, where we will be hosting further events to promote logistics as a crucial sector for driving growth.

Realetd articles: Logistics UK - Working for our members: Party Conferences 2024

Published On: 26/09/2024 11:15:10

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