Robert Courts is new UK minister for shipping and aviation

A political reshuffle has resulted in Robert Courts becoming the UK’s latest minister for the Department of Transport.

Mr Courts replaces Kelly Tolhurst, who served for just seven months before being appointed minister for housing, communities and local government.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to for her dedication as shipping minister,” said UK Chamber of Shipping chief executive Bob Sanguinetti. “She worked incredibly closely with the industry during Covid-19 and ensured freight could continue to flow into the country, and understood the plight of seafarers, helping convene an international summit on crew change.

“I look forward to working with Robert Courts as we look to take advantage of future opportunities for the UK shipping industry, including tackling climate change and the Covid-19 recovery.”

Mr Courts said: “It’s a huge privilege to have been asked to serve in the transport [department], with responsibility for aviation and maritime. A really exciting portfolio, which includes driving forward the work on the ground-breaking ‘Jet Zero’ council.”

The aim of the council, launched in July, is to tackle aviation emissions in line with the government’s 2050 net zero goal, aiming to achieve the first zero-emission long-haul passenger plane.