Public Affairs monitoring for week ending 14 August 2026

Logistics included in ministerial title for the first time

The government confirmed on 11 August that Keir Mather has been appointed Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, marking the first time that logistics has been formally included within a ministerial title. The appointment forms part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s latest ministerial changes and provides the sector with a clear ministerial lead within government. The formal inclusion of logistics in the title is a notable development and reflects the government’s growing emphasis on economic growth, supply chain resilience and trade. The move also recognises the role logistics plays in supporting activity across the economy, including manufacturing, construction, retail and international trade. Logistics UK welcomed the announcement, saying the inclusion of logistics in the ministerial title demonstrates increasing recognition within government of the sector’s strategic importance to economic growth. Logistics UK added that it looks forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Mather on the industry’s priorities, including infrastructure, skills, trade and decarbonisation and the upcoming freight plan.

Transport Committee publishes Heathrow inquiry evidence

Our latest Middle East Member Survey results show that widespread cost pressures remain. More than 70% of logistics businesses reported higher fuel costs in July than in June, while over half experienced increases in the cost of other inputs such as pallets, strapping and packaging materials. SMEs continue to be particularly exposed, with rising costs creating cashflow pressures and affecting investment decisions. Members have also reported increasing instances of fuel theft, adding further operational and financial challenges. Logistics UK shared the results with key stakeholders across government, including in Number 10, HM Treasury, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, Department for Transport, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and devolved governments.

Also last week

Parliament

• Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been re-elected as an MP after winning the Clacton by-election on 13 August 2026, which he triggered by resigning and re-contesting the constituency. He secured 63.3% of the vote (22,239 votes), while Count Binface finished second with 26.7% (9,455 votes), with turnout at 44.4%. The Parliamentary Standards Committee has confirmed it will relaunch its inquiry into Farage, meaning a further by-election could be possible if the investigation results in sanctions.

Devolved, regional and local

• Logistics UK Northern Ireland Policy Lead Brenda Maguire and Senior Policy Manager Josh Fenton met with Peter McReynolds MLA, Alliance Party Infrastructure Spokesperson, on 12 August to discuss a range of freight, transport and infrastructure issues affecting Northern Ireland. Discussions included proposals for the pedestrianisation of Belfast city centre, with Logistics UK emphasising the importance of maintaining efficient freight and servicing access while recognising the vital role logistics operators play in supporting businesses, consumers and city-centre events.

• The National Infrastructure Commission for Wales published the 2026 Transport sector infrastructure insights report on 12 August, which outlines key transport challenges and future needs, focusing on infrastructure investment.

Coming up

• Parliament has risen for Summer Recess and will return on Tuesday 1 September.