Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Iran conflict on the a) UK aluminium import and export markets and b) aims of the Critical Minerals Strategy.

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is closely monitoring the potential impact of the disruption to trade and supply chains on the UK economy as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. Businesses impacted such as those in the aluminium industry, are encouraged to continue sharing intelligence regarding the ongoing challenges to help inform the Government's response.

Any impact strengthens the imperative of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy, with its key objectives of optimising domestic production while building resilient UK and global supply networks across critical minerals, including aluminium.