Logistics is not a ‘political football’, warns FTA

Monday 10 May 2010

Britain’s economic recovery will be hamstrung by a hung parliament if it leads to a Government more concerned with electoral reform than investment in infrastructure, warns the Freight Transport Association.

James Hookham, Managing Director of Policy and Communications for FTA, said:

“Whoever ends up with the keys to number 10, they must keep their eyes on what really matters to the economy. Transport is a key part of the recovery and it is essential that the next government, whatever its make-up, sees the transport portfolio as a high priority responsibility.

“Our fear is that transport will be used as a political football during this period of horse trading. This would be a mistake. Transport must not be the toy that is used to keep the kids happy while the grown-ups get on with running the country.”

The logistics sector employs eight per cent of the UK’s workforce and contributes around £100 billion each year to the UK economy.

Hookham concluded:

“There are some crunch issues on transport that the next Government will need to grapple with – infrastructure investment, climate change and capacity improvements. These will require serious and dedicated attention at the heart of government and this must be reflected in the priority transport is given in whatever transpires from the current negotiations.”

Notes for editors

FTA’s Love Logistics campaign aims to raise public awareness of logistics and the positive impact it has on their day-to-day lives. Working across the sector, from individuals to companies, trade associations to trade unions, the campaign will help to restore pride in this industry which is the backbone of modern Britain. Central to the campaign is The Logistics Report, which not only highlights the need for intelligent investment in the UK’s crumbling infrastructure, but also the strides made by the logistics sector to meet – and exceed – its environmental and safety obligations.

Seen as a blueprint for the next Government, the Report urges collaboration between politicians and business.

The Logistics Report is available in hard copy and PDF and is available upon request from lnorthfield@fta.co.uk or jlangridge@fta.co.uk

The Report is supported by qualitative and quantitative research carried out by TNS-BMRB on behalf of FTA and by a quantitative survey of FTA’s members operating across the UK

James Hookham is available for interview. Requests should be made via the FTA media team on 01892 552255.
 

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk