Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the Government is committed to playing a “play a big role” in the future of the Scunthorpe steel works.
Ms Reeves visited the site after MPs passed the Steel Industry (Special Measures) to give the Government authority to order steel companies in England to maintain operations or face criminal sanctions for non-compliance.
Prior to this, the Government had been in negotiations with Jingye, British Steel’s owners, as part of efforts to keep the Scunthorpe furnaces operational following the Chinese firm’s announcement of possible closures.
In response to queries regarding the timeframe for considering the nationalisation of British Steel, the Chancellor said: “It was really important on Saturday in that emergency sitting of Parliament that we took control of the company to ensure that we could bring in the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running.
“And I’ve had the opportunity to talk to the British management team, workers and the three different trade unions represented here to talk about the future.
“We now have that control. We’re bringing in those raw materials, and I am certain – and the workers and the management team are certain – that there is a bright future for the steelworks here in Scunthorpe, and the whole community.”
Alun Davies, the Community trade union’s national secretary for steel, praised the Government, which he said “understands, appreciates and stands with our steel industry”.
He said: “Our members at British Steel were grateful for the opportunity to meet the Chancellor today and expressed their thanks for the Government’s recent actions to secure the future of the Scunthorpe steelworks.
“We know that without the Chancellor’s support, safeguarding the site would not have been possible.”
At a recent meeting, the Chancellor assured British Steel representatives and officials of the Government’s commitment to the steel industry workforce, stating that “In her discussions with our reps and officials, the Chancellor reiterated the Government’s support for the workforce at British Steel and the sector more widely, emphasising that steel is essential to her vision for economic growth and industrial renewal across the Ƶ.”
In a message published on X, previously known as Twitter, British Steel extended gratitude towards “the Ƶ Government and politicians across the political divide for their support”.
The statement read: “Wednesday saw vital raw materials unloaded at Immingham, before bringing them to British Steel’s blast furnaces as Scunthorpe. Given just a week ago the future of the steelworks stood in the balance, it has been remarkable to see the country rally around the last remaining blast furnaces.
“Following a challenging time for the business, we have hope for the future of steelmaking in Scunthorpe given the strategic importance of rail and construction steel products which are vital to support the Ƶ’s infrastructure projects which contribute to our growing economy.
“For over half a century, British Steel has been monumental in supporting our country’s industry. There is a bright future for steel in Scunthorpe.”
