The Ceramics Industry and Parliament

To bring in 2024, we’re reflecting on some key highlights from December 2023. December was a big month for our association, with the launch of our new brand, an event in Parliament and various other activities taking place that celebrated our great industry.

At our launch in Parliament, we had great support and engagement from MPs and a number of mentions in Parliament about the challenges our industry is facing, and that more should be done to address these challenges.

Jack Brereton: Last week, we had the launch of Ceramics UK in Parliament. The sector suffers from a number of challenges, particularly due to energy costs and the need to decarbonise. Can we facilitate a debate in Government time about the support needed for the ceramics sector and other energy-intensive sectors?

Penny Mordant: I thank Jack for all that he is doing to champion his constituency, and this sector in particular. Not only are an enormous number of jobs related to those products, but there is a knock-on effect on the tourist and hospitality sector in particular parts of the country. I congratulate him on raising the profile and the needs of the ceramics sector. He will know that the next questions to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero are on 16 January, but I will write this afternoon and make sure that she has heard what he has said.

We look forward to seeing further mentions and spotlight on our industry in Parliament this year, and will keep you informed of all updates that will affect our industry.