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Logistics UK continues political outreach with devolved nations' meetings
Whilst the general election campaign is now underway, Logistics UK continues to keep the industry front of mind with policy makers and its political outreach programme has been focussing on the devolved nations.
Meetings have already taken place in Northern Ireland with arrangements being finalised for a meeting with the Transport Cabinet Secretary in Scotland next month.
Logistics UK Policy Director Kevin Green and Head of Trade and Devolved Policy, Nichola Mallon welcomed Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd MLA as he joined member businesses from across Northern Ireland at the NI Freight Council meeting.
During his visit, Minister O’Dowd discussed the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector in Northern Ireland, and speaking after the meeting he reiterated the strategic importance of the logistics sector.
“This is a resilient industry which played a vital role in keeping the supply chains open during the pandemic, ensuring a continued flow of goods into and out of the north," said Mr O'Dowd, "and this is now playing a key part in our economic recovery.”
Wales
As a founding member of Food 7 Cymru, an alliance of seven key business groups formed to represent the Welsh food and drink industry from farm-to-fork, Logistics UK participated in a drop-in meeting at the Welsh Senedd to highlight the strategic importance of the food and drink sector for Wales.
Head of Public Affairs, Natalie Chapman met with eight Members of Senedd, which is an impressive 13% turnout of MSs and emphasises the value policy makers place on meeting with influential trade groups.
Logistics UK is also scheduling a roundtable discussion with the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates. In addition to this, Logistics UK will be speaking Skates MS in an online meeting alongside other business representatives' groups on the impact of the 20MPH restriction for the logistics sector. Logistics UK has also secured a meeting with the Shadow Minister for Transport and Technology, Natasha Asghar.
Scotland
Next month, Kevin Green and Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman are meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP to outline the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the logistics sector in Scotland.
“It is an invaluable opportunity for our members to meet with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport," says Kevin Green. "It shows the influence Logistics UK has in ensuring the industry’s voice is heard by those with the power to effect change.”
Further political outreach activity is planned throughout the year and at the end of June, Chief Executive David Wells OBE and Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman will be accompanying Edward Mountain MSP, Convenor of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, to visit the head offices of Malcolm Group in Linwood, Renfrewshire.
Published On: 30/05/2024 15:00:00
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News In Brief
Countering drone threats to shipping Â
The Department of Transport has published guidance for the maritime industry on the threat from aerial drones and potential response options.
Included in the guidance is an introduction to drone technologies, including current and future drones; an outline of drone threats to commercial maritime vessels and how they can be mitigated; and an introduction to counter drone technologies.
Aerial drones offer many use cases for the civilian maritime industry, including but not limited to:
- inspection and surveying assets – for example, inspecting the hull or mast of a ship, or port infrastructure, as part of an asset maintenance program, reducing the need for people to access hazardous areas
- cleaning difficult to reach areas of a vessel
- capturing images and recording videos of a vessel for media advertising purposes
- monitoring emissions and taking air quality readings in busy shipping lanes and near ports
- supporting search and rescue missions in maritime emergency situations
- delivery of cargo such as critical spares or medical supplies as part of logistics for shipping operations
However, their accidental or deliberate misuse can present threats to commercial maritime vessels. Aerial drones have been used maliciously in events that have led to disruption and harm. An extreme example of this is using military grade or weaponised commercial drones, as seen in the attacks on the MV Mercer Street and the Pacific Zircon vessels.
For more information click here
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