Breedon Group urges urgent reform of UK carbon rules

UK cement producer Breedon Group has stated that output has fallen to its lowest point since 1950, citing excessive energy expenses and inconsistent emissions regulations as the primary causes. The Derby-based manufacturer highlighted that imports currently satisfy over a third of domestic sales while supporting approximately 4,000 roles across hundreds of locations.

The company is seeking concrete support for British industry following recent political statements from Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding economic resilience. Breedon has refreshed its Back British Cement campaign to demand changes to the carbon border adjustment mechanism before it becomes active in January. The firm also requests inclusion within an industrial electricity compensation scheme and accelerated assistance for technologies such as carbon capture.

This announcement follows criticism of a separate project by local Conservative MP Esther McVey, who described emissions sequestration efforts near Morecambe as a vanity initiative and raised safety concerns regarding the technology. Breedon chief executive Rob Wood emphasised that domestic producers must be permitted to compete fairly against overseas rivals operating under different cost structures.

The group is calling for procurement reforms to explicitly acknowledge cement and concrete within government-backed infrastructure or housing projects. Mike Pearce, chief executive of Breedon GB, warned that without addressing disparities in electricity costs and carbon frameworks, reliance on imported materials will increase rapidly. He noted that sourcing British products instead of foreign alternatives would significantly enhance job security and support communities nationwide.

Breedon stated it has been engaging with the Government but requires further clarification to make progress. The firm argues that a robust domestic industry could serve as an example for greening heavy manufacturing globally, provided regulatory hurdles are removed. Without these adjustments, the company fears its ability to compete will be severely undermined by international market conditions.

The organisation continues to advocate for measures that ensure national resilience and economic growth within the construction sector.