Mark Harper MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Transport following new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle.
“Transport affects us all, and I can’t wait to tackle the challenges we face so we can deliver for communities across our United Kingdom,” Harper said in a Tweet following the announcement.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association (BTA), said: “The BTA welcomes the appointment of Mark Harper MP to the position of Secretary of State for Transport.
“We look forward to working in close collaboration to further the growth of the UK’s infrastructure, and the promotion of aviation for British business and international trade.
“This is a vital time for businesses of all sizes, and we need a period of stability in order to grow confidence in business travel once more.”
Commenting on Sunak’s new position and cabinet, Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “As Rishi Sunak takes up the job as the UK’s third Prime Minister this year, what businesses and consumers now need is stability, clarity, and confidence that we are set on a path to economic recovery. We also need the Government to understand the delicate position the travel industry is in and the support needed. We’ve had a decent summer of trading, but that is on the back of two years of no travel during the pandemic, and consumer budgets are now feeling the squeeze of the rising cost of living.
“Our latest forecasts show that, with the right conditions, the UK outbound travel industry could grow 15% by 2027, outperforming many other sectors. To harness this growth opportunity, the Government needs to put a framework in place which supports businesses through their continued recovery from the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, and next week’s fiscal statement offers the opportunity to do that.”
