The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is proud to be a founding supporter of the newly launched Back British Metals campaign – a powerful cross-sector call for the UK Government to formally recognise the strategic importance of all UK metals.
Back British Metals aims to ensure that foundational materials like aluminium, copper, steel, cobalt, lithium, and the platinum group metals (PGMs) are placed at the heart of the forthcoming UK Industrial Strategy and Critical Minerals Strategy.
The campaign builds on recent Government efforts to safeguard British steelmaking, but highlights the urgent need for a broader, more inclusive strategy that strengthens the UK’s entire metals capability.
At the core of the campaign is a Parliamentary Pledge Event on Tuesday 20th May, where MPs and Ministers will be invited to formally pledge their support for British metals and the industries they underpin. ALFED will proudly attend this event, representing the aluminium sector and standing alongside colleagues from across the metals landscape to deliver a unified message: metals are critical to Britain’s clean energy transition, defence resilience, manufacturing strength, and economic future.
A National Call to Action
Through Back British Metals, ALFED joins the wider coalition in calling on Government to:
- Recognise metals and foundation industries as key enablers of all eight growth sectors within the UK Industrial Strategy.
- Commit to a full value chain approach across the Industrial Strategy and Critical Minerals Strategy, covering mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling.
- Expand the focus of the Critical Minerals Strategy beyond rare earths, ensuring that aluminium, steel, copper, PGMs, and other vital metals are given equal priority.
Driving Forward the UK Aluminium Alliance
The launch of this campaign aligns closely with ALFED’s work through the UK Aluminium Alliance, a new industry-wide initiative designed to position aluminium at the heart of the UK’s future industrial and decarbonisation agenda.
As a founding supporter of Back British Metals, ALFED is committed to working collaboratively across the metals sector to ensure aluminium’s criticality is fully recognised – not just as a material of today, but as a foundation for tomorrow’s sustainable economy.
Nadine Bloxsome, Chief Executive of ALFED, commented:
“We are proud to join our peers in backing this important campaign. The UK needs a bold, joined-up industrial strategy that fully recognises the strategic value of aluminium and all foundational metals. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient industrial base that supports energy transition, economic security, and national prosperity. We look forward to representing the aluminium sector at the Parliamentary Pledge Event and continuing to advocate for a thriving UK metals industry.”
Get Involved and Support the Campaign
ALFED encourages all members and stakeholders across the aluminium supply chain to show their support for Back British Metals and to join us in shaping a stronger, more competitive future for UK metals.
Members can also help by writing to their local MP to request their support for the campaign.
A template letter is available for download here: https://members.alfed.org.uk/reports/market-report/back-british-metals-parliamentary-pledge-to-support-uk-industry/
We strongly encourage you to personalise this letter and share your company’s specific experience and contribution to the UK economy.
Together, we can help ensure that British metals are recognised, supported, and prioritised within the UK’s future industrial strategy.
Read more about the Campaign here: https://backbritishmetals.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PRESS-RELEASE-BBM-28.04.25.pdf
