Public Affairs monitoring for week ending 15 May 2026

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Government outlines its legislative programme for the year in the King’s Speech

The King’s Speech took place on 13 May, outlining the government’s legislative programme. Key announcements of relevance to the logistics sector include:

• The European Partnership Bill will provide the legal framework for closer UK–EU cooperation following the 2025 summit. It aims to reduce border friction and lower trading costs with the UK’s largest market.
• The Railways and Passenger Benefits Bill (formerly the Railways Bill) will establish Great British Railways, embedding consideration of rail freight within planning and operations supporting rail freight growth.
• The Highways (Financing) Bill will introduce a new Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model to attract long-term private investment into major road infrastructure. This is intended to unlock delivery of nationally significant schemes, including the Lower Thames Crossing, improving network capacity and resilience on key freight corridors.
• The Civil Aviation Bill will support airport expansion, modernise airspace and reform slot allocation rules. These measures aim to increase capacity, improve efficiency and strengthen the UK’s position as an international aviation hub, with direct benefits for air freight connectivity and trade flows.
• The Energy Independence Bill will reform planning, regulation and market frameworks to accelerate clean energy deployment and grid infrastructure delivery. Measures to reduce delays in network connections and infrastructure build-out would support depot electrification and the rollout of zero-emission HGV charging.
• The Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill will introduce a 60-day maximum payment term, strengthen penalties for late payment and limit the use of extended terms and disputes. This will improve cash flow across supply chains and provide greater certainty for logistics SMEs.

Logistics UK will engage throughout the legislative process to ensure the sector’s priorities are reflected and the Bills improve conditions for industry.

Logistics UK CEO Ben Fletcher was quoted in the King’s Speech Background Briefing document under the Highways (Financing) Bill. This was the Bill referenced in the King’s speech to “enable roads to be built at pace, including the Lower Thames Crossing.”

Middle East update: Chancellor to announce support for businesses and families

New ONS data published on 14 May shows the UK economy has continued to grow despite the Middle East conflict, with GDP rising by 0.3% in March and 0.6% in Q1 2026. This exceeded forecasts and makes the UK the fastest-growing G7 economy over the period. The Chancellor has cited this as evidence that the government’s economic plan is working, while confirming that targeted support for households and businesses facing increased costs linked to the conflict will be announced next week.

Logistics UK will closely monitor the Chancellor’s package to understand whether our key asks are reflected, including: extending the 5p fuel duty freeze; logistics to be formally recognised as a priority fuel user within resilience planning; inclusion in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to reduce electricity costs; extension of full expensing to leased zero-emission commercial vehicles; targeted incentives to support uptake of low-carbon fuels; a pause in business rates alongside wider reform to ease cost pressures on the sector; and taking a longer-term approach to mode shift grants. We are also supporting government action to tackle late payments.

We continue working with the government to monitor narratives related to profiteering and to manage media and social media communications to help prevent fuel and other commodity shortages driven by panic buying.

Logistics UK has a three-point strategy during this crisis: sharing insight with members; informing government and other key stakeholders of the impact on our sector; and urging government to provide support to our sector.

As part of this, we are collecting member feedback via the Logistics Performance Tracker survey. Please complete our short survey on SurveyMonkey here or via Microsoft Forms here before it closes on 22 May.

Read our latest Middle East update here which includes data on fuel prices.

Pressure mounts on Keir Starmer as Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigns from government

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned on 14 May 2026, citing a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership following Labour’s poor local election results. Streeting has not triggered a leadership contest. Under current rules, any challenger would need the backing of 20% of Labour MPs, equivalent to 81 MPs.

As no formal challenge has been launched, Keir Starmer remains Prime Minister and has appointed James Murray as the new Health Secretary.

If a leadership contest were to be triggered, potential candidates could include Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, although he would first need to become an MP, and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner. Rayner confirmed on 14 May that her tax issue had been resolved and that no HMRC penalty was issued.

Labour MP for Makerfield, Josh Simons, has announced on 14 May that he will stand down to allow Burnham to contest the seat. Burnham would still need to win the subsequent by-election and secure approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee to stand.

Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed as First Minister, forming historic Plaid Cymru government

Rhun ap Iorwerth was formally confirmed as First Minister of Wales on 12 May 2026, following the Senedd election in which Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party. His appointment marks a historic shift in Welsh politics, ending nearly three decades of Labour-led government.

Plaid Cymru secured 43 seats, short of an overall majority, and has formed a minority government, relying on support from smaller parties such as the Greens. Labour abstained in the vote for First Minister.

The new Welsh Government was appointed on 13 May. Key appointments relevant to logistics include:

• Adam Price – Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
• Mark Hooper – Deputy Minister for Transport
• Elin Jones – Cabinet Minister for Finance
• Siân Gwenllian – Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
• Cefin Campbell – Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education

Logistics UK will be sending introductory letters to the First Minister and relevant cabinet members, highlighting the importance of the sector and requesting early meetings.

Ken Skates MS has been appointed Interim Leader of the Welsh Labour Party. Logistics UK has a strong existing relationship with him, reflecting his previous role as Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales.

Also this week

Government

• New regulations signed into law will align operating rules for 4.25‑tonne electric vans with 3.5‑tonne diesel vans from 1 June 2026, removing requirements such as HGV‑style tachographs, driver hours and testing classifications that had applied due to battery weight. Logistics UK published on a press release on 12 May saying the change will reduce costs and complexity, boost confidence to invest in zero‑emission fleets, and support faster decarbonisation, while calling for further fiscal support to accelerate uptake.
• The Department for Transport (DfT) has made a minor amendment to the Depot Charging Scheme following engagement with the Energy Networks Association; it will now accept electricity bills as a form of evidence to confirm grid capacity.
• The government has published its response to the Transport Committee’s report on skills for transport manufacturing on 7 May, recognising the significant challenges that skills gaps present to the industry, partially accepting recommendations such as consulting on ‘competency passport’ benefits. But the government has not set out any time-bound plans to consult.
• The government signs Memorandum of Understanding with AI scale‑up Wayve on 12 May to boost joint research, support responsible rollout of self‑driving technology, and position Britain as a global leader and top destination for autonomous vehicle innovation and growth.
• Ben Fletcher, CEO at Logistics UK and Michelle Gardner, Chief of Staff hosted Department for Business and Trade’s Director for Infrastructure and Technology Rodney Berkeley on 13 May.
• The Institute of the Motor Industry held a policy discussion on the electric vehicle workforce with Richard Holden MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport on Thursday 14 May. Bethany Windsor, Head of Skills Policy at Logistics UK, attended the event.
• The Civil Aviation Authority has launched a consultation on the 14 May reviewing Draft Advice to the Secretary of State regarding the Traffic Distribution Rules 1991. Logistics UK will submit a response by the deadline of 26 June 2026.

Parliament

• Sarah Olney (Lib Dem, Richmond) held a debate on Thursday 14 May on the impact of a third runway at Heathrow Airport. MPs questioned the economic case for a third runway, arguing it may be negative once wider costs are considered. They highlighted rising construction, costs potential taxpayer exposure, and significant environmental and health impacts, calling for a full economic analysis. Transport Minister Keir Mather responded stating the government supports a third runway, subject to strict tests on growth, climate, air quality and noise and must be privately financed with no taxpayer cost.

• Lords Industry and Regulators Committee published a report into how regulators can support economic growth on 12 May. The report highlights that slow approvals increase financing costs and delay delivery of major infrastructure (roads, rail, energy), making the UK less attractive for investment. The main recommendation is regulators must significantly speed up decision‑making processes and provide clearer, more predictable timelines and communication.

Devolved, regional and local

• In Holyrood, all 129 MSPs were sworn in and Kenneth Gibson MSP was elected as the new Presiding Officer in the Scottish Parliament. The SNP’s Clare Adamson and Scottish Labour’s Katy Clark were elected as Deputy Presiding Officers on 14 May. The First Minister will be confirmed on Tuesday 19 May with ministerial roles following on 20 and 21 May.

Coming up

• The Department for Work and Pensions is inviting logistics employers and stakeholders to a sector-specific Recruitment Innovation Workshop on Wednesday 20 May at East Midlands Gateway. The event will bring together employers, trade bodies and government to address recruitment challenges, Jobcentre Plus support, alongside showcasing innovative and inclusive hiring practices. RSVP by 15 May to [email protected].
• Logistics UK Interim Director for Policy and Communications, Ben Garratt and Head of Public Affairs, Natalie Chapman are meeting with Taiwo Owatemi, Labour MP for Coventry North West on Monday 18 May for an introductory meeting on the logistics industry.
• There is continuation of the debate on the King’s Speech on energy security on Tuesday 19 May.
• The European Affairs Committee is holding a session on dynamic alignment on Tuesday 19 May. Logistics UK member British Ports Association is speaking on the first panel at 11:00am.
• The Transpennine Route Upgrade will highlight new evidence of its economic impact at the UK’s Real Estate, Infrastructure Investment Forum on Tuesday 19 May, with a Network Rail commissioned report.
• The Transport Committee is holding a session on Wednesday 20 May providing an update on HS2 with Mark Wild, CEO at HS2 and Lord Hendy Minister for Rail.
• The Work and Pensions Committee is holding a session on Wednesday 20 May on youth employment, education and training.
• Baroness Merron and Lord Hendy are leading a debate on the King’s Speech regarding health, housing and transport on Wednesday 20 May.