With the general election coming up this week, Logistics Manager finds out what the supply chain and logistics sector has to say about the party manifestos published and their expectations for the next elected government, whichever party forms it.
Click below for Logistics Manager’s full breakdown of the top five polling UK political parties, in terms of how each relates to the supply chain:
- What the Conservative Party manifesto could mean for UK supply chains
- What the Labour Party manifesto could mean for UK supply chains
- What the Liberal Democrats manifesto could mean for UK supply chains
- What the Green Party manifesto could mean for UK supply chains
- What the Reform UK manifesto could mean for UK supply chains
Road transport
The Road Haulage Association’s (RHA) director of policy and public affairs Declan Pang has outlined what each major party pledge could mean for road haulage. He said: “Whilst each manifesto offers an insight into what each party plans to do if it’s elected into government, it is by no means a complete programme of policies. For haulage, coach, and van companies there are many areas where we need swift action from the next government.
“In many cases, the manifestos give no indication on future intentions for transport and there are many unanswered questions on how they will approach key challenges.”
Pang identifies three key areas in which he believes the next government must act quickly on: infrastructure, skills and net zero. He picked out investment in roads, apprenticeships and decarbonising HGVs as some of the actions the RHA would want to see from the next government to support the road haulage sector.
Additionally, he said: “With the average profit margin of a haulier just 2%, the next government needs to minimise the financial burden on operators from taxation, particularly given that the cost of distribution impacts the prices on our shelves and the cost of living.”
Air cargo
Aviation Services UK (ASUK), the trade body representing ground services firms, has said the incoming government must do more to increase passenger and cargo capacity at UK airports if the economy is to grow. David Leighton FRSA, CEO of ASUK, commented: “New infrastructure is urgently needed. Heathrow’s delayed expansion is directly holding back economic growth, as the loss of ad-hoc freighter slots demonstrates.
“Freight – whether moving by air, land or sea – is the lifeblood of our economy, but the arteries that carry that lifeblood have been clogging up for decades. This is most severe in aviation, where lack of capacity is biting hard.
“The industry’s shared commitment to decarbonisation, in part enabled by the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, underlines why it’s time to reinvigorate the case for sustainable airport expansion.”
ASUK notes that aviation is mentioned only twice in the Labour Party manifesto, whilst it appears in the Conservative Party manifesto only three times. It also notes that the other parties say they would oppose airport expansion, though the Liberal Democrats say they would place ‘a moratorium on net airport expansion’ and oppose the expansion of airports in the Southeast, including Heathrow. The Green party would ‘not allow more or bigger airports’ and the Reform manifesto – or ‘contract’ as it’s called – does not mention aviation at all.
Ocean freight
Trade association the UK Chamber of Shipping has published a document entitled “Delivering the goods: shipping’s priorities for the next government” in which it sets out its recommendations for what the next government should focus on when it comes to ocean freight.
It identified five key priorities: delivering a net zero shipping strategy; making a long-term commitment to SMarT funding; introducing a temporary and reviewable exemption from the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for lifeline ferry services; reviewing measures likely to cause disruption to trade or travel at UK maritime borders; and inspiring and preparing the next generation for a career in the maritime industry.
If realised, the UK Chamber of Shipping said these priorities would ‘instil confidence and empower the shipping sector to invest for the long-term benefit of the industry and generate jobs both nationally and across our coastal communities, while continuing to reduce emission and propel the country to its net zero targets’.
Cold chain
In its “Cold chain manifesto”, the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) set out five policies which it considers top priorities for the next government: recognising the value of the cold chain; driving cold chain sustainability and enhancing energy efficiency; enabling emission-free transport refrigeration; developing the next generation of cold chain talent; and removing barriers to trade.
CFF President Paul Bennell said: “The UK cold chain has fantastic potential for sustainable growth, but there are some significant challenges to overcome. Together, government and industry can unlock the cold chain’s great potential to help spur growth, improve food standards, and make important contributions towards net zero.
“We are delighted that so many CCF members were able to join us in the House of Commons to help ensure our industry’s voice is heard at this crucial time ahead of the general election as political parties are honing their strategies and plans for the future.”
Automotive
Hayley Pells, policy and public affairs lead at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), has analysed the manifestos published by the majority of the parties’ contesting seats in the general election. She commented: “Clearly the devil is in the detail, however the IMI is encouraged to see that almost every party recognises the significance of building skills with policies to address the current challenges around further education and apprenticeships, as well as maintaining a focus on achieving net zero.
“As previously stated, we believe there is a clear opportunity for the next government to learn from the past and provide the support and infrastructure that will ensure UK automotive remains a global leader, as well as give UK motorists and businesses confidence.
“The IMI has worked hard to engage with all political parties over the last few years to ensure there is a good understanding of what’s needed to keep UK motorists and road users safe. The knowledge and expertise has been provided and we very much hope the next government will place the right emphasis on automotive.”
Retail
Responding to the latest CPI inflation figures, which show headline inflation falling to 2.0% and food inflation falling 1.2 percentage points to 1.7%, Kris Hamer, director of insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “The country will breathe a sigh of relief as inflation hits the Bank of England’s target of 2% for the first time in almost three years, raising hopes of an interest rate cut for the 9.6 million mortgage holders across the UK.
“Falling energy prices continue to be the main driver behind the fall in the headline rate however, a lower inflation rate in clothing and furniture also contributed. Food inflation fell the 14th month in a row, and those with a sweet tooth will be happy to see that the price of chocolate and confectionary products fell on the month.
“Hitting the 2% target is welcome news, however, it is vital that inflationary progress is not taken for granted by the next government. Retailers are working hard to limit price increases for their customers, and the next administration must play their part in reducing cost pressures on retailers and the customers they serve.
“Addressing key costs such as the business rates burden, which leads to customers paying a higher price at the till, must be a priority for whoever forms the next government.”
