MPA calls on UK government to recognise and support its domestic cement industry

The UK’s Mineral Products Association (MPA) has published a new document, ‘Cementing the Future – Sustaining an Essential British Industry’. The document outlines the important contribution the sector makes to the UK’s economy and highlights the impact of cost regulation and ‘green taxes’ on competition with international markets.

The new publication calls on the government to:

• Recognise the industry’s strategic significance and potential to generate economic growth.
• Acknowledge the industry’s role in delivering a low-carbon future for the UK.
• Deliver an economic climate of investment security and reduce regulatory uncertainty in the industry.
• Reduce the cumulative cost burden on the industry.
• Lift unilateral green taxes.

For its part, the cement sector has pledged to ensure a stable supply of quality cement, ensure employment at production sites and along the supply chain, support the government’s infrastructure plans, as well as reduce GHG emissions in line with the Carbon Roadmap to 2050.

“Cement is a key constituent in concrete – the most widely used man-made substance on the planet – and underpins our economy and everyday life. Our shops, factories, offices, homes, schools, hospitals and much more all depend on this critical material yet the industry is struggling to compete in the face of ever increasing costs; some of which are centrally imposed by government,” stated Dr Pal Chana, Executive Director of MPA Cement. “Our strategic significance to the economy cannot be overstated.”

“The government’s own economic growth plans are predicated on a substantial increase in the construction of infrastructure and housing, and cement and concrete are going to be needed for both. We cannot allow the supply of this essential material to be left to the vagaries of the international trading markets; especially not when we have a deep rooted industry here in the UK with factories in mainly rural locations providing much needed jobs,” continued Dr Chana. “The UK cement industry has provided an essential material for the built environment for over 100 years. Working with government, we can continue to make a vital contribution to development and cement the future of an essential British industry.”

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/24092013/mpa_publishes_cementing_the_future_sustaining_an_essential_british_industry_207/