Whitfield appointed timber APPG chair

The APPG brings together parliamentarians from the Commons and the Lords with an interest in the UK’s timber industries to ensure that issues affecting the sector are highlighted within parliament and to government.

Officers of the renewed APPG now include: joint vice-chairman Bill Grant, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock (Conservative); joint-vice chairman Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore (Labour); and joint-vice chairman Antoinette Sandbach, MP for Eddisbury (Conservative). 

East Lothian is one of the most important hubs for the timber industries in Scotland, including Alba Trees, the UK’s largest supplier of cell grown plants, and various sawmills and timber merchants all located within the county.

One of Mr Whitfield’s first acts as chair was to lead a Westminster Hall debate on the effect of Brexit on the UK’s timber industries on October 31. 

“Local businesses in the timber industries play an important role in providing jobs in East Lothian. They help facilitate demand across the UK for sustainable, managed forests and contribute to addressing the housing crisis by providing affordable, environmentally friendly timber-framed homes.

“I will continue to work with parliamentary colleagues and industry representatives to stand up for the needs of the UK’s forestry and timber industries and promote them in Parliament."

“We are delighted that Martin has taken up this role with the Timber Industries APPG,” said David Hopkins, director of the Confederation of Timber Industries.

“The timber sector can play a key role in achieving the goals of a number of policy areas, from housebuilding to clean-growth. We look forward to working with Martin and fellow members of the APPG over the coming year to do this.”