Member Article

MEP speaks out against Northumberland factory closure

MEP for the North East Martin Callanan has spoken out against the news that the Rio Tinto Alcan factory is set to close due to restrictive EU regulations.

The threat of closure has put some 750 jobs on the site in Northumberland at risk.

There have been reports that Rio Tino Zinc wish to sell their Lynemouth power station, but Mr Callanan fears that a buyer will not be found, as under EU legislation huge investments would be required.

Mr Callanan, MEP for North East England and the Conservative environment spokesman in the European Parliament, said: “This is very sad news - and it is extremely frustrating that EU and UK environmental laws have ruined this operation’s ability to compete in a global market.

“I am sorry to say I have been warning of this danger for the last few years.

“Industry in the UK still needs aluminium, but infuriatingly the demand will instead be met by companies outside the EU who are free to work unhindered by such crippling environmental laws.”

The current power station breaches EU emissions limits, and will be forced to reduce emissions and buy pollution credits to remain open after 2013.

He added: “ The planet will be no cleaner or safer, but we will have exported 750 high quality industrial jobs from an area that badly needs them.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .