The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) welcomed more than 80 members, parliamentarians and industry representatives to the House of Lords on Tuesday 2nd June, for its annual reception, where it formally launched its new Positions & Strategic Priorities Framework (2026–2027).
Hosted by Lord John Horam, the event brought together stakeholders from across the UK aluminium value chain, alongside the Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald MP, and Antonia Bance MP, to discuss the future of the UK aluminium industry and its growing strategic importance to the UK economy.
The reception provided an opportunity to highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, while reinforcing aluminium’s increasingly important role in industrial strategy, defence, circularity, infrastructure, transport and future manufacturing growth.
A Unified Industry Framework
As part of the event, ALFED formally launched its new Positions & Strategic Priorities Framework, developed in consultation with members and designed to provide a clear and unified direction for industry advocacy, engagement and policy development.
The framework focuses on six core priorities:
- Energy competitiveness and industrial viability
- Circularity, recycling and retention of material value within the UK
- Strengthening domestic processing and midstream manufacturing capability
- Trade and carbon policy alignment
- Supply chain resilience and defence readiness
- The continued development of ALFED’s Sector Groups and Trade Committee as evidence-led forums for industry representation
At the heart of the framework is a clear ambition to create the conditions necessary for investment, innovation and long-term competitiveness, ensuring the UK captures greater value from aluminium throughout the domestic supply chain.
Government Recognition of Aluminium’s Strategic Importance
One of the strongest themes to emerge from the event was the growing recognition within Government of aluminium’s strategic role within the UK economy.
In his keynote address, Chris McDonald MP described aluminium as both a critical mineral and growth material, highlighting its importance across advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, renewable energy and defence supply chains.
The Minister also spoke about the Government’s ambitions to improve industrial competitiveness, support energy-intensive industries and strengthen domestic processing capability. He highlighted the work of the Metal Circularity Group and the importance of increasing recycling, retaining material value within the UK and creating stronger domestic supply chains.
Antonia Bance MP echoed these themes, highlighting the concentration of aluminium businesses operating across the West Midlands and their contribution to electric vehicles, construction, renewable technologies and defence. She welcomed recent measures to improve industrial competitiveness and encouraged businesses to continue engaging directly with policymakers to ensure future policies support UK manufacturing growth.
Together, these contributions demonstrated strong alignment with many of the priorities outlined within ALFED’s new framework.
Demonstrating the Value of UK Aluminium
The framework also reinforces the significant contribution made by the UK aluminium industry.
Analysis commissioned by ALFED from the Fraser of Allander Institute found that the sector supports more than 108,000 jobs and contributes approximately £9.4 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy.
These figures underline the importance of ensuring aluminium remains central to future industrial strategy, critical materials policy, net zero delivery and manufacturing growth.
Looking Ahead
The House of Lords Reception marked an important milestone for ALFED and the wider aluminium industry.
With a clear set of priorities now established and increasing engagement from policymakers, the Federation will continue working closely with members, Government departments and strategic partners to ensure aluminium is recognised as a critical enabler of UK industrial growth, resilience and competitiveness.
Members are encouraged to review the Positions & Strategic Priorities Framework and continue contributing through ALFED’s Sector Groups, Trade Committee and wider engagement activities.
The strength of ALFED’s voice depends on the expertise, insight and participation of its members, and together we can continue building a stronger future for UK aluminium.
