Logistics industry backs government emissions targets on Earth Day
Thursday 22 April 2021
Logistics UK, the business group representing the industry charged with moving the goods the nation’s economy needs, has welcomed the government’s commitment to reducing emissions by 78% by 2035 (compared with 1990 levels), announced on Tuesday (20 April 2021). Speaking on Earth Day, Alex Veitch, General Manager for Public Policy explained what the sector needs now are pragmatic plans to ensure that the target can be achieved by all areas of the industry:
“Logistics businesses are fully committed to playing their part in reducing the sector’s emissions and achieving the 78% target recommended by 2035,” he says. “What we need now is a clear roadmap from government on how this can be achieved, with the correct support and enablers for industry to adopt the cleanest vehicles and working practices.
“The UK government’s plans must align clearly with other international standards and targets for all modes of transport, to ensure consistency and prevent additional costs and unintended consequences for UK businesses. Our members stand ready and willing to do their part in achieving emissions targets: government now needs to provide clarity and guidance to minimise disruption to the supply chain and enable the switch to the next generation of transport modes.”
As Mr Veitch continues, much progress has been made, but if the supply chain is to remain resilient, government now needs to build confidence so that business can invest in alternative fuels and technologies to help reduce emissions as quickly as possible.
“Ambition without action will just lead to disappointment for all involved,” he says. “Logistics can provide advice to government on the best ways to achieve this target, and what is needed to make it happen, including new product development and a robust refuelling network. As an industry, we need that level of detail now and are ready and waiting to provide any guidance required so that the target can be achieved.”
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.
