Aluminium makers are feeling perky after a good year for energy policy, according to the trade body ALFED.

On Friday the group blamed carbon cutting laws for making the UK “globally uncompetitive” over the last decade and leading to the UK’s primary aluminium producing capacity dropping 87%.

ALFED praised the recent “Made in Britain” Budget, moves to encourage more apprenticeships, the Chancellor’s compensation package for energy intensive users for the costs of energy taxes and a cap on the Carbon Price Floor at £18 per tonne.

Will Savage, CEO of ALFED said: “It is now clear that the current UK Government regards manufacturing as a sector which can deliver wealth to the UK economy.”

He warned: “But there is more to be done and we need to remain on guard. We’re going to be stepping up our engagement with politicians and civil servants in order to build on the current momentum and ensure that government policy continues to be supportive of British manufacturing.”