BAR takes message to Westminster

The British Association of Removers (BAR) recently brought the removals sector’s challenges directly to Westminster, as part of coordinated media activity ahead of the launch of a new parliamentary report, ‘Getting Britain Moving’, on 15 April, 2026.

Activity around Parliament Square saw a significant number of removal vehicles take part in a carefully managed and fully compliant operation designed to support media engagement. Conducted in line with Metropolitan Police guidance, the initiative provided a visible reminder of the industry’s role in the UK economy, while drawing attention to the pressures currently facing removers and storage operators.

The BAR report examines the removals sector’s contribution to the homebuying and selling process and the barriers that risk slowing housing mobility and wider economic growth. It highlights how the industry underpins more than a million household moves each year, supporting labour mobility, enabling business continuity and helping keep the housing market functioning.

However, the report also points to growing headwinds, including delays and uncertainty in the homebuying process, rising operating costs, skills shortages and the expansion of an unregulated informal market.

Andrew Large, Director General of the BAR, said the day’s activity was about ensuring the realities facing the sector are “seen and understood at the heart of government”. He added that removals and storage are essential to a functioning housing market and growing economy, but are too often overlooked in policy discussions. The report, he said, sets out practical solutions and makes the case for the sector to be recognised as critical economic infrastructure.

The report launch coincides with a parliamentary roundtable chaired by David Simmonds MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss findings and recommendations. The session is supported by the BAR, the Policy Liaison Group for Housing Delivery & Growth, and Pickfords.