Aluminium Federation to seek governmental support for UK’s aluminium sector

The Aluminium Federation, UK, has called for an urgent meeting with Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid.

The Federation stresses that the UK’s aluminium sector needs similar support to that being proposed for the country’s steel industry.

“The UK aluminium sector has already suffered major plant closures such as those currently threatened in the steel industry, and our energy-intensive industry needs government backing just as much as steel and other metals,” said Aluminium Federation chief executive Will Savage.

“Specifically, we want to see swift action on energy taxes, business rates, public sector procurement, support for R&D, resourcing for BIS and a firm stance to be taken regarding China’s application for ‘Market Economy Status’ at the EU. The government has said it wants to create for a ‘level playing field’ for the UK metals industry”, said Mr Savage.

“This is welcome, but there is an even larger issue: is the current government committed to retaining a strategic core metals industry in the UK, as has been the case with other large European economies? The metals sector is not only the foundation for manufacturing, which is vital to a modern, innovative economy. It is also has the potential deliver the more circular and sustainable economy that will secure our economic future,” added Mr. Savage.