The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has issued its priorities for the next UK government ahead of the general election on 8 June 2017.

The government's post-election policy development and implementation will be central to the future health of the UK economy and the mineral products sector upon which so much depends, the MPA said in a statement. Negotiating a good deal on Brexit, which maintains UK competitiveness, will be vital, the trade association adds.

The MPA has outlined six main priorities, which 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
• implementation of an industrial strategy that works for all UK sectors and regions
• need to improve productivity by maximising indigenous supply of UK minerals and mineral products
• promotion of industrial competitiveness through access to the EU single market and international markets and also protecting energy-intensive industries
• ensuring proportionate and consistent taxation that encourages investment
• reforming 'red tape' by improving the operation of the mineral planning system and environmental permitting.

Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the Mineral Products Association, commented: "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."