Freight Transport Association (FTA) welcomed news that Labour MEP Brian Simpson has been appointed as the Chair of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee.
Chris Yarsley, FTA's EU Affairs Manager, said: "Brian Simpson has a track record of making common-sense decisions in the interests of the UK logistics industry. His support helped FTA improve operator standards across the EU by securing the soon-to-be-agreed new Admission to the Occupation and Access to the Market regulations.
"We congratulate Brian on his new role and expect to work even closer with him to realise our shared ambition to achieve true parity in Europe."
Despite securing the high profile chairmanship of the committee, FTA is concerned that the UK's voice may be somewhat diminished, with the loss of Timothy Kirkhope, now leader of the Conservatives in the European parliament. While it welcomed the appointment of Conservative MEP Jacqueline Foster and the reappointment of UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass to the committee, FTA has warned that strong characters will be needed to ensure that the UK logistics interests are represented and that common sense prevails.