Direct action 'The frustration and anger 1 of those who
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took part in the demonstration in central London is understandable. The Chancellor's action in continually bashing the road transport industry, which is the lifeblood of the economy, is bad news indeed; not just for the operators themselves but for the whole' of LIK business.
The FTA, however, cannot support such action. First, it risks alienating public and Governmental attitudes towards the haulage industry; getting the right policies for the future means we have got to win friends, not lose them. Secondly, given the strong line we have taken against similar action by others, notably in France and more recently with UK farmers, it would be foolish for FTA to support the adoption of similar tactics.
This being the case, we must and will sustain and improve the interventions we make through the normal channels. Such arguments have to be repeated and new allies found to make them more effective.
This is the course the FTA will follow.
David Green, Director-general, Freight Transport Association.