CBI reacts to announcement of aluminium smelting plant closure

18 Nov 2011 11:36 AM

The CBI has commented on the announcement by Rio Tinto Alcan that it intends to close the aluminium smelting plant at Lynemouth, due to the impact on energy costs of new environmental legislation.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

"This news shows why the Government must act to insulate manufacturers most at risk from the increasing cost of energy legislation.

"Energy intensive companies make the very products the UK needs to move to a low-carbon economy, and are already being hit by rising energy prices and slower demand.

"The CBI proposes targeting companies most at risk with an exemption from the carbon floor price."