Priti Patel, Member of Parliament for Witham, has shown her support for National Lorry Week and praised the vital contribution that road haulage, freight and logistics businesses make to the local economy across the Witham constituency.
The Witham constituency is home to several major logistics and transport businesses, which support jobs and economic growth both locally and nationally. These businesses play a crucial role in connecting Essex with markets across the United Kingdom and internationally.
National Lorry Week, provides an important opportunity to recognise the professionalism, dedication and hard work of the haulage and logistics sector, including HGV drivers, warehouse teams, transport planners, mechanics, apprentices and business leaders across the country, all of whom do vital work to support our economy. The sector employs 2.6 million people, or 8% of the total UK workforce.
Priti has continued to engage closely with local logistics businesses and industry representatives, including the Road Haulage Association, to hear about the challenges facing the sector. These include rising fuel costs, business rates, increases in National Insurance contributions, skills shortages, driver welfare, freight crime, road maintenance, and the need for more safe and secure lorry parking.
The logistics sector has a significant presence in the Witham constituency and supports a wide range of employment opportunities for local people. From international freight and distribution to specialist haulage operations, local businesses are making an important contribution to the Essex economy while also supporting supply chains relied upon by businesses and families across the country.
Priti Patel said:
“National Lorry Week is an important reminder and an opportunity to celebrate the haulage and logistics sector, which plays such a vital role in our economy
“Here in the Witham constituency, we are proud to be home to outstanding logistics businesses. These are businesses that support local jobs, invest in skills and apprenticeships, and help connect Essex with the rest of the country and the wider world. The contribution of those within the logistics and haulage sector often goes unrecognised, but without them, our country would not be able to run.
“I regularly speak with our local businesses about the pressures they are facing, from rising fuel costs and business rates to National Insurance increases. These are real challenges that are placing significant strain on businesses and affecting investment and recruitment.
“Logistics companies are essential to growth, but they are being squeezed from all sides by this Labour Government. These damaging policies are undermining confidence, increasing costs and holding back opportunities for local people. I will continue to champion our local logistics sector, support the businesses that keep our economy moving.”
Priti’s support for National Lorry Week forms part of her wider engagement with local businesses across the Witham constituency, championing key employers and industries that contribute to jobs, growth and opportunity across Essex.
