Forty UK Government Ministers, MPs and Peers attended the Annual Packaging Manufacturing Industry Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons recently.
Minister for Industry and the Regions Jacqui Smith emphasized the government's support for manufacturing, and recognized the sector's contribution to the economy and its continued innovation. Ian Dent, chief executive of The Packaging Federation, quoted from the recent DG Environment study on the implementation of the Packaging Directive, which states that packaging is already ahead of many sectors by breaking the connection between growth and consumption – "an achievement which should receive greater attention among politicians".
The briefing paper for the event called on politicians to create a stronger not weaker Department of Enterprise and Innovation, as well as the (re)creation of the post of Energy Minister. Competitiveness issues relating to energy and the new EU Chemicals Policy, REACH, were also highlighted.
The Packaging Federation and its affiliates have established an All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Packaging Manufacturing Industry chaired by Bill O'Brien MP.
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