London, 11th October 2021 – Leaders of the UK?s energy intensive sectors are pleased to see swift further engagement with the Secretary of State following Friday’s meeting.
EIUG representatives held further talks today with the Secretary of State and BEIS officials. The talks are aimed at addressing the impact of the continued, sustained and unprecedented high energy prices on the UK’s energy intensive industries.
Dr Richard Leese, the EIUG Chair, commented:
“On Friday, EIUG sectors outlined the seriousness of the situation facing energy intensive industries this winter. The urgency shown by the Secretary of State in holding further talks today is therefore welcome.
The involvement of other parts of government will also be required. EIUG is looking for an equally swift response from HMT.”
EIUG is optimistic that its main request for cost containment measures addressing the increases in both gas and electricity prices will form part of a final set of proposals.
EIUG Contact: Amrik Bal, Director Energy Intensive Users? Group (BalA@eiug.org.uk)
Notes to editors:
The EIUG represents the UK?s Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) including manufacturers of steel, chemicals, fertilisers, paper, glass, cement, lime, ceramics and industrial gases. EIUG members produce materials which are essential inputs to UK manufacturing supply chains, including materials that support climate solutions in the energy, transport, construction, agriculture and household sectors. They add an annual contribution of ?38bn to UK GDP, supporting 200,000 jobs directly and 800,000 jobs indirectly around the country.
These foundation industries are both energy and trade intensive ? remaining located & continuing to invest in the UK and competing globally requires secure, internationally competitive energy supplies and freedom to export without tariff barriers. However, inward investment, growth and competitiveness have been hampered for years by UK energy costs higher than those of international competitors. In some cases, investment, economic activity & jobs have relocated abroad, leading to a subsequent increase in imports.