The UK government has added logistics to Keir Mather’s Department for Transport (DfT) ministerial title, following continuous request from the industry for the sector to have greater representation within government.
Mather remains Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the DfT, but his title has changed from ‘Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation’ to ‘Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics’.
Mather confirmed the new title himself, writing on LinkedIn that “Logistics is the foundation of our economy - but it's not always been clear who its champion is in government.” He said that the title was a simple change, but one that “shows how serious I am about putting the logistics sector at the heart of Government”.
In his statement on LinkedIn, Mather thanked those that had called for this change - including Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association – saying that he was “excited” to continue his work to “empower our logistics sector to deliver change in every part of the United Kingdom.”
The title change does not signal a new logistics brief for Mather, as freight and borders were already among his responsibilities under his previous ministerial portfolio, however, the inclusion of logistics in his title gives the sector greater visibility within government. His current responsibilities include freight and borders, aviation, Heathrow expansion, maritime, international transport, security and resilience, and sustainable aviation fuel.
Daniel Parker-Klein, Director of Policy, Communications and Insight at CILT(UK), commented on the recognition of logistics, saying:
“CILT(UK) welcomes the announcement from Keir Mather MP that his role at the Department for Transport will now be Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics.
“Logistics is fundamental to the UK economy. It keeps businesses trading, connects communities and markets, supports economic growth and underpins the delivery of almost everything we rely on.
“Giving logistics explicit recognition within a ministerial title is an important step in recognising that contribution – and in ensuring the sector has a clear voice within Government.
“As the Chartered professional body for transport, logistics and supply chains, CILT(UK) looks forward to continuing to work with Keir Mather and the Department for Transport, bringing the expertise and insight of our members and the wider profession to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“There is a significant agenda to tackle, from infrastructure and freight capacity to skills, resilience, decarbonisation and productivity.
“We look forward to working constructively with Government and partners across the sector to help ensure logistics is properly understood, valued and supported as a driver of UK growth.”