Building a stronger, greener future
3 min read
In June, the government set out its 10-year plan to drive productivity, investment and growth, aiming to make it simpler for businesses to grow and invest. Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald explains how the UK’s industrial strategy aligns these ambitions with the nation’s broader environmental objectives
For over a decade, I have campaigned for the UK to adopt a serious industrial strategy – one that sets out a long-term vision for national prosperity and secures a better future for communities, businesses and our economy.
Until recently, this ambition was nowhere to be seen in British politics.
Across the UK, our industry is innovating, generating wealth and exports, delivering well paid jobs to hard working people, and fostering pride in communities.
Now at last, through our Industrial Strategy, they have government on their side, with the support and the trust to work together to make Britain more secure and better off.
Since July, we have secured over £250bn of investment into the eight sectors set out in our Modern Industrial Strategy. It is evidence that industry and investors are confident in our plan – a plan that is already delivering and laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient economy that works for everyone.
“We are not only tackling the climate crisis but also building the future our communities deserve”
Money invested in our country in new factories, nuclear power stations and development of new medicines. Money invested in our country because our government is backing our industry.
Our Clean Energy Superpower Mission is a leading example of how we are and will continue to deliver this.
Just as Britain led the first industrial revolution, founded on coal and steam, now we are leading in a new industrial revolution, built on clean energy and artificial intelligence, but still relying on the heavy industry and manufacturing that supports every part of the world around us and makes half of our exports.
Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald, at British Steel in Scunthorpe
As set out in our recently published Clean Energy Jobs Plan, we estimate there will be over 860,000 workers in clean energy sectors and their supply chains by 2030 – an increase of over 400,000 – with jobs spread across the UK.
By putting clean energy at the centre, we are driving growth and creating well-paid, high-quality jobs for working people in every region.
The certainty and confidence created by the government in the sector has already galvanised over £52bn of private investment since July 2024.
Whether it be carbon capture, nuclear or offshore wind, the sector is driving forward our revitalisation of the economy – and just as importantly providing the backbone for growth and opportunity for working people across towns and cities in the UK.
Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald, at British Steel in Scunthorpe
We are not only tackling the climate crisis but also building the future our communities deserve: good jobs that you don’t need to leave your hometown for, thriving towns and a secure, sustainable economy for generations to come.
It shouldn’t be radical that the British government is backing British industry. It is what every nation does, it is what British citizens expect of their government. But it is happening now, for the first time in over a generation, and we are already feeling the benefits.
It is clear to see that industry and investors are confident in our plan, that’s why they are putting their money on the table to create industry jobs in the UK and its why our industrial strategy is laying the foundations for a Britain that is stronger, more resilient and that works for everyone.
Chris McDonald is Labour MP for Stockton North.
