Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of container shipping prices on UK businesses; and if he will make a statement.

The situation faced by UK businesses and others across the globe is a result of high consumer demand, and the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19 pressures. We are aware this is a global problem, and the UK is not uniquely disadvantaged as the container supply system and freight markets across the world are being impacted.

In fact, at present the position for UK freight is more positive than other locations globally who have experienced continued severe operations difficulties.

Government continues to work with the freight sector, including ports to manage the impacts of a surge in container demand and HGV driver shortages.