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An influential council that provides independent advice to the UK prime minister has recommended that the UK sets out a clear long-term roadmap for the chemicals sector within the next 12 months to provide market and regulatory stability in the post-Brexit era.
The recommendation from the Council for Science and Technology (CST) comes as industry reiterates concerns about the UK's current legislative framework and the need for greater clarity on UK REACH.
The UK government abandoned its chemicals strategy in May last year and replaced it with a revised 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). While the chemicals industry acknowledges that some progress has been made, it says the government still needs to find workable solutions.
In a letter addressed to the UK prime minister, published on 25 August, the CST said the government should establish a "proportionate regulatory framework that protects people and the environment while supporting innovation and competitiveness".
It also wants the government to work to reduce UK-EU market access frictions and provide clarity on plans for UK REACH "without delay".
New minister
The CST issued another recommendation to appoint a government minister responsible for safeguarding the UK’s critical chemical capabilities and delivering future innovation. The official, it said, should be empowered to coordinate cross-government policy for the chemicals sector.
The council said the minister would need to analyse the costs and benefits of policy decisions, based on evidence and industry input.
They should also be supported by a "dedicated cross-government unit or taskforce, drawing on independent technical and industrial expertise, led by a credible, trusted expert".
The team should work with other government departments, particularly the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade, the CST said.
Chemical Business Association (CBA) CEO Tim Doggett told Chemical Watch News & Insight that the trade body strongly supports the council's recommendations.
"Government must now match ambition with action: appoint a minister with clear accountability for the chemical sector, commit to a long-term strategy and work with industry to deliver it," he said
Doggett warned that the UK cannot afford "further drift, delay or fragmented decision-making for a sector so fundamental to our economic resilience, national security and future growth".