Title Government steps to secure UK supply chains

Pub Date 22/01/2024

Category Business Support
Agency
Other
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Summary

Industry leaders have welcomed the Government’s new Critical Imports and Supply Chain
Strategy, safeguarding UK supplies of critical goods such as medicines, minerals and
semiconductors.

In a press release issued 17 January 2024, The Department for Business and Trade said:

“More than 100 top UK firms, including pharmaceutical and manufacturing leaders and business
representative bodies like the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Critical Minerals Association have
contributed to the strategy to ensure it helps develop resilient and secure supply chains that
protect both their business and the consumers who rely on them.”

This issue has taken on critical importance now shipping is disrupted in the Red Sea.

Ross Baker, Chief Commercial Officer, Heathrow said:

“Heathrow connects the UK to 95% of the world’s economy and facilitates imports of the high
value, time-critical goods that British industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and
technology rely on. We welcome Government initiatives that make doing business in the UK
easier and more efficient, from shoring up supply chains to streamlining cargo processes at the
airport, so Heathrow can meet growing demand to import and export across the globe.”

UK Chamber of Shipping Commercial and Governance Policy Director, Katrina Ross, said:

“We welcome the UK Government’s focus on critical imports and supply chains through the
publishing of this strategy. 95% of UK imports and exports are moved by sea, and our sector’s
challenges should be considered as part of the move to build supply chain resilience and to help
deliver the UK and global net-zero ambitions.”