Minister says maintaining British chemical industry as world leader ‘vital’
18 Nov 2016
The UK’s role as a world leader in the chemical sector must be maintained after Brexit, Minister for Exiting the European Union, Robin Walker, told the Chemical Industries Association annual conference.
"The UK chemicals sector and its products underpin the UK economy, from supplying the automotive and aerospace sectors to pharmaceuticals and agriculture,” said the minister.
"That is why it is vital for the nation that we lay the foundations for the UK to continue to be a world leader in chemicals and after we leave the EU."
Walker’s guest speech delivered to the organisation was accompanied by a reminder by board member, chairman of SME Contract Chemicals Limited Dr Tony Bastock, of the CIA’s four key targets to encourage investment and growth.
He outlined these as: tariff-free access to the single market, the ability to recruit talent to key jobs from around the world, the supply of competitive and secure energy, and a policy framework that encourages scientific progress.
Association chief executive Steve Elliott told attendees that the latest survey of member companies demonstrated “the very real concern that companies have” about the consequences of EU departure and its potential effect on investment.
Getting the right deal with the European Union was essential, he said, but the chemical industry would also seek to develop new opportunities in North America and Asia, as well as the continent.
