Nuneaton’s MP Marcus Jones has welcomed a new law which will reform the scrap metal industry and tackle the scourge of metal theft.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Bill was taken through Parliament by a Conservative MP with support from the Government and this week passed its final stage in the House of Lords

It will reform the outdated rules governing the scrap metal industry, creating a tougher, locally administered, licence regime. It will help the honest dealers who do the right thing, but it contains strong powers to stop the trade in stolen metal. For the first time it gives the police and local authorities the power to close down unlicensed dealers.

Welcoming the new powers, Marcus said: “Metal theft is a scourge. Stolen power cables mean power cuts and delays on the railway, while stolen lead from church roofs and memorial plaques can cause misery.

“Local people here in Nuneaton will be pleased that this new law, which the Conservatives have taken through Parliament, will reform the whole scrap metal industry and tighten the net around the dodgy dealers.”