MPA outlines priorities for next government
Association puts forward six priorities to help deliver continuing prosperity for the UK
THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) has highlighted its priorities for the next government ahead of the forthcoming General Election on 8 June.
It says the next government’s post-election policy development and implementation will be central to the future health of the UK economy and the mineral products sector, and negotiating a good deal on Brexit, in order to maintain UK competitiveness, will be vital.
To this end, the MPA has outlined six main priorities that it believes will help government deliver continuing prosperity for the UK:
- Building confidence for investment
- Boosting growth
- Improving productivity and UK supply chains
- Promoting industrial competitiveness
- Easing the tax burden
- Cutting and improving ‘Red Tape’.
The priorities are supported by a series of actions, including: the continuing need to strengthen the economy; the implementation of an Industrial Strategy that works for all UK sectors and regions; the need to improve productivity by maximizing the indigenous supply of UK minerals and mineral products; the promotion of industrial competitiveness through access to the EU single market and international markets, and by protecting energy-intensive industries; ensuring proportionate and consistent taxation that encourages investment; and reforming ‘Red Tape’ by improving the operation of the mineral planning system and environmental permitting.
Nigel Jackson (pictured), chief executive of the MPA said: ‘Given the essential role mineral products play in underpinning the delivery of housing, transport and energy infrastructure, schools, hospitals, food, water and agriculture, we hope that whoever forms the new Government will take account of the practical measures we are proposing to help deliver their agenda and the continuing prosperity of the UK.
‘The industry is ready to play its part and has also set out priorities for the sector to ensure future demand is met more sustainably.’
