Research finds most MPs back calls for support to boost UK cement production
Members of Parliament primarily back construction materials firm Breedon’s call for the Government to provide greater support for UK domestic cement production, according to new research.
Research commissioned on behalf of Breedon as part of its Back British Cement campaign, and conducted by Yonder Consulting, found strong cross-party support for the campaign.
The research spoke to a representative sample of 102 MPs from all parties. It found that around three-quarters of all MPs back Breedon’s policy asks and the economic case for British cement, but also found that many MPs still “lack awareness of the significant challenges facing the British cement industry”.
Rob Wood, chief executive of Breedon said: “We thank MPs for sending a strong message of support for our Back British Cement campaign.
“Domestically produced cement is fundamental to the UK’s ability to build the homes and infrastructure we need, while supporting skilled jobs, regional economies and robust supply chains.
“Breedon believes that backing British cement is fundamental to delivering the Government’s ambitions for reindustrialisation and growth in every postcode, and we therefore ask again for the Government’s unequivocal backing in deeds, not just words, of this foundation industry.”
It comes after Breedon last month said it welcomed new Chancellor John Healey’s call for “buying British by design”, but warned that UK cement production is at its lowest levels since the 1950s.
Breedon has argued that domestic cement producers face "structurally uncompetitive" industrial electricity costs and “uneven carbon regulations” compared to foreign importers.
Trade body The Mineral Products Association said last year that UK cement production had fallen to its lowest level since 1950, with production levels “increasingly under threat”.