New Transport Secretary appointed

Justine Greening has been replaced as Transport Secretary by former Chief Whip Patrick McLoughlin in the UK government's cabinet reshuffle.

Ms Greening - who had forged a strong relationship with the freight industry as Transport Secretary during her too-short tenure in the role - will take over as International Development Secretary.

Mr McLoughlin was a transport minister under Lady Thatcher and Sir John Major. It is widely believed that Ms Greening's stated opposition to a third runway at Heathrow was at odds with the government's wishes, and that Mr McLoughlin is more likely to toe the line.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport UK (CILT) has called on the government to put long-term planning at the heart of transport and ensure the role of Transport Secretary lasts longer than an interim post.

Since 2006 there have been seven Transport Secretaries, with the arrival of Patrick McLoughlin, in just six years.

CILT argues that the long-term issues facing the country - such as HS2, which will be a 15+ year project; and a third runway/new hub airport solution, which is likely to be a quarter of a century before fruition - mean there must be consistency in the role.

The government has identified transport infrastructure development as an essential building block for economic growth; and the institute believes such projects must have a period of stability during their early gestation period to enable them to have the chance to thrive.

CILT chief executive Steve Agg said: "People are really only finding their feet in their first year in any appointment. Considering the huge importance of some of the major questions that the Transport Secretary faces, and their long-term implications, there is a strong case to be made that the role should be considered more than an interim position."

Steve Agg added: "It is to be welcomed that a number of obvious 'high flyers' such as Philip Hammond have held the post, but stability is clearly the priority at the moment. The institute looks forward to welcoming Patrick McLoughlin to the role – we wish him a successful tenure in the post, and above all hope that he is given the time to see the job through."

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