Claire Coutinho, MP for East Surrey, has replaced Grant Shapps as the new Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Food industry logistics body the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) has responded to the appoint, stating it looks forward to working with Coutinho within her new position.

Paul Bennell, president of the CCF, said: “Energy management and the journey towards Net Zero will remain among the greatest challenges for cold chain operators over the coming years. But this area also presents strong opportunities, not only to improve energy efficiency in the cold chain through the pioneering use of developing technologies but also potential new roles for our industry at the forefront as the UK transitions to a net zero economy.

“The UK cold chain is investing in its sustainable future and we look forward to discussing these important opportunities and challenges with the Secretary of State.”

Coutinho, who was first elected to Parliament in 2019, leaves her previous position as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, takes up her new role at a key point, as issues concerning a variety of different industries require addressing.

In 2019, the UK was the first major economy to pass net zero emissions into law. The focus on net zero is prominent within the food and logistics industries, with a number of businesses setting targets to hit in the near future.

Her department, which is responsible for the UK’s response to climate change, will debate the energy used by the UK, discussing the reliability of supply and the opportunities presented by renewable energy sources.