RHA welcomes Minister for Logistics

By Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director

I’m pleased to see a dedicated Minister for Logistics now in place.

Logistics is fundamental to the UK economy. It connects businesses, communities and people, enables trade, supports growth and keeps the country moving. Having clear ministerial focus provides an important opportunity to ensure our sector has a strong voice at the heart of government.

It is particularly welcome because, over the last 12 months, the Alliance of Logistics Trade Associations (ALTA) has consistently called for the creation of a dedicated Minister for Logistics.

We also welcome the Minister’s comments recognising the contribution of the RHA, amongst others, in making the case for the creation of this role. That recognition matters, but more importantly it demonstrates the strength of a collective industry voice and what can be achieved through sustained, constructive engagement with government.

That is exactly why collaboration sits at the heart of the RHA’s approach.

Through ALTA, trade associations can speak with a stronger collective voice on the issues where our industries share common ground, while allowing each organisation to remain focused on the specific needs and priorities of the sectors it represents.

For the RHA, the next step is about partnership and delivery.

Representing HGV, coach and van operators across all four nations, we can support the Minister with evidence, insight and, critically, the real-world experience of businesses operating every day across our roads.

There is plenty to work on together: infrastructure investment, skills, decarbonisation, facilities, international trade, regulation and the cost pressures facing operators.

We will continue to advocate for a National Freight Plan that recognises logistics as critical national infrastructure and provides businesses with the long-term certainty and confidence they need to invest.

Creating the role is an important step. What matters now is what we collectively achieve through it – bringing government and industry together to develop practical, evidence-based policy that recognises logistics as an enabler of economic growth, productivity and thriving communities across the UK.

We look forward to supporting the Minister and working constructively together.