The British Ports Association has on 19 February welcomed confirmation that Kelly Tolhurst MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for transport will be the United Kingdom’s minister responsible for shipping.
The BPA said that the new Minister will face a number of challenges this year. In addition to the introduction of freeports and new trade relationships, sustainability, the energy transition, connectivity, innovation, and safety will all be filling the minister’s in-tray.
“Now is a pivotal time to take on the brief of maritime minister, with the current consultation on freeports. Post-Brexit trade-facilitation is also high on the agenda, as well as sustainability and port connectivity,” commented the BPA chief executive, Richard Ballantyne.
Kelly Tollhurst was appointed parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Transport on 13 February 2020 and confirmed on 19 February 2020 as the maritime and aviation minister also responsible for security and civil contingencies and will shadow the roads brief.
