This response to the “Customs Bill: legislating for the UK’s future customs, VAT and excise regimes” is submitted on behalf of the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG). Some individual members will respond in their own right, given the importance of the issue. Background on the UKMPG UKMPG is the trade association representing most of the large […]
Policies
Search here for policies relevant to UK ports.
Road and Rail Links to Ports
Providing good access to ports is absolutely essential, and road and rail connecting links to ports are a key part of the nation’s infrastructure network. At the moment, port developers are responsible for road and rail connecting links to ports, which is a significant financial disincentive to investment in UK ports. UKMPG strongly believes that […]
Working with Devolved Administrations
UKMPG members operate ports in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. UKMPG strongly believes in the ideal of a ‘level playing field’, enabling fair and open competition between ports in different parts of the country, and is committed to working with devolved administrations to ensure that local needs can be met without distortion of competition. […]
EU
Many of the issues that confront UK ports are affected by policy and legislation from the European Commission and European Parliament. While UK ports receive virtually no financial assistance from the public purse, the situation is very different in most continental ports. Despite the fact that we are an island nation, UK ports compete with […]
Developing skills
UKMPG’s members are intensely committed to providing development opportunities and continuously improving the general level of skills in the ports sector. Skills development programmes include provision for the organisation’s existing staff, such as the Port of London Authority’s “Our PLA” initiative which provides training for all employees who wish to improve their skills as well […]
Local communities
UKMPG members attach great importance to fostering strong links with local communities and other stakeholders. Ports are important transport hubs and can also play a crucial role in the local economy. It is important that those who live near ports are kept well informed about future developments and have an opportunity to offer views when […]
Environment
UKMPG strongly supports reducing carbon emissions in order to limit potentially damaging climate change and to improve the efficient use of finite resources. Ports have a major role to play, with shipping by far the most carbon friendly of the major transport modes. Ports also facilitate the use of more carbon efficient connecting links such […]
Safety
Because of their highly operational nature, ports are potentially hazardous places – both on the land side, where cargo handling takes place, and on the marine side, where vessels have to manoeuvre, often in shallow water, in close proximity to the coast and other vessels. UKMPG is dedicated to continually improving safety in ports. In […]