The launch of the UK government’s long-awaited industrial strategy has been delayed until the end of June.
This amid ongoing negotiations over departmental budgets and mounting pressure to tackle soaring energy costs affecting British industry.
Originally scheduled for spring, the strategy was held up due to last-minute wrangling between departments and the Treasury ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ crucial spending review, expected today (June 11).
Confirmed by the government
Government officials confirmed the industrial strategy will now be published during the final week of June.
The strategy will outline investment and reform plans across eight priority sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services. It is also expected to address systemic challenges such as high industrial energy prices and persistent skills shortages.
Partly tactical
An insider said the delay was partly tactical, designed to ensure the strategy receives strong visibility within the broader calendar of government announcements. It is set to follow a long-term infrastructure plan and a new trade strategy.
Industry leaders have urged the government to broaden the focus beyond a few hundred energy-intensive firms like those in steel and ceramics. Business groups want more inclusive measures to alleviate high energy prices and boost talent pipelines through education and training reforms.
Ministers urged to ‘level the playing field’
The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has echoed those calls, urging ministers to “level the playing field” on energy costs and empower mayors with greater control over post-16 technical education.
Speaking at the CBI annual dinner, Rachel Reeves acknowledged the urgency: “One of the questions is how we make energy more affordable, especially for our intensive energy-using businesses.”
Strategy already addressed by lobby groups
Manufacturing lobby group Make UK said the strategy must tackle “sky-high energy costs, an inability to access talent and untapped investments due to lack of finance.”
The Department for Business and Trade said it had consulted with hundreds of firms and remains committed to creating “the best possible conditions” for private sector growth.
