Trevelyan renews criticism of EU rules following Alcan closure

Conservative parliamentary candidate for Berwick, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, has renewed criticism of EU environmental rules that some argue forced the closure of Alcan’s Northumberland operation.

Following the Chancellor’s comments to BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme on the topic, Mrs Trevelyan echoed comments made by Alcan owner Rio Tinto that energy costs were becoming increasingly significant.

Mrs Trevelyan said: “The loss of Alcan was a huge blow to Northumberland. The fact that EU red tape played a major part in the decision to close the plant is a bitter pill to swallow. We should be able to control our own businesses with high emissions and not be driven by Europe.

“We need policies that have long term sustainability to manage emissions properly, otherwise more businesses will suffer the fate of Alcan. The rules which led to the plant’s closure have done nothing to reduce global emissions, they have simply forced a company to relocate its investment and jobs beyond the reach of the EU.

“I am pleased that the Chancellor recognises this. It is a shame that the Liberal Democrats in the Coalition are intent on pushing through any decarbonisation measures regardless of UK jobs and businesses.”

Mrs Trevelyan’s comments follow those of her Conservative contemporaries, including MEP Martin Callanan.