Business Secretary Vince Cable MP has ‘thrown his support behind the rail freight campaign calling for increasing support for modal shift and encouragement for the creation of Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges, as part of the continued stimulus of economic growth’.
Speaking at the 14th Annual Rail Freight Group’s (RFG) Christmas Lunch on Wednesday, Mr Cable backed the funding announcements in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and said that the rail freight sector was a vital part of the Government’s Growth Agenda, adding that the sector had to be fully supported if the Government was going to meet its carbon emissions reduction targets.
“Efficient supply chains are absolutely vital to UK businesses,” he said.
“Rail freight is vital to the UK’s growth agenda and must continue to be supported.”
He echoed the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement further by applauding the role that rail freight plays in reducing road congestion and reiterated support for the DFT’s Logistics Growth Review and the creation of Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges (SRIs).
RFG has always supported the development of SRIs and recognises their importance in helping promote modal shift and ensuring UK businesses have access to robust and efficient supply chains.
Tony Berkeley, RFG Chairman, said this year had been very challenging for the sector overall, but added that there was a lot of positivity going into 2012.
“The sector has a lot to be proud of,” he said.
“And despite the on-going economic conditions, we should not forget what has been achieved this year.”
