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First meeting for Critical Imports Council

[ April 17, 2024   //   ]

Logistics UK has been confirmed as a founder member of the UK government’s new Critical Imports Council, which held its first meeting at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London on 17 April.

The Council was announced by the Department for Business and Trade as part of its Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy on 17 January and aims to safeguard supplies of goods such as medicines, minerals and semiconductors in the wake of the recent shipping disruptions such as the Houti attacks in the Red Sea, the Covid pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The strategy aims to help businesses to deal with global supply chain problems and access the imports essential to the functioning of the UK. 

The Council brings together 23 representatives from business and academia to build supply chain resilience and ensure the flow of critical imports into the UK.

Business and Trade Minister and chair of the Critical Imports Council Alan Mak, said, “It’s never been more important to strengthen our supply chains and make sure vital goods can continue reaching consumers, in the face of the pandemic, the Red Sea attacks and many other crises around the world. 

“That’s why we’re now going even further to strengthen our critical goods supplies with the launch of this new Council, which will bring together government and industry experts to help protect businesses from supply chain shocks now and in the future.”

Speaking after the meeting, Logistics UK chief executive David Wells said, “Logistics UK’s seat on the Critical Imports Council recognises the vital role that the sector plays in ensuring the success of the UK economy, and we welcome the government’s invitation to join the discussions, building on the knowledge we amassed during the pandemic. The breadth of experience on the council is exceptional and, working together, we can develop practical solutions to secure the UK’s supply chains and mitigate risks to the flow of essential goods to UK households, businesses and public services.”

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