Parliament's Historic Recall Saves British Steel

British Steel

This weekend marked a pivotal moment for our nation. For the first time since 1982, Parliament was recalled on a Saturday to pass the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025, an extraordinary step to prevent the closure of British Steel's Scunthorpe blast furnaces.

The government's intervention ensures that the UK retains its capacity to produce virgin steel, safeguarding thousands of jobs and reinforcing our national security. This decisive action underscores our commitment to the hardworking steelworkers and the future of our steel industry.

The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 grants the Secretary of State for Business and Trade the power to direct the operations of steel manufacturers to prevent the cessation of certain assets when it is in the public interest . This legislation is crucial not only for maintaining employment but also for ensuring the stability of our supply chains and the broader economy.

British Steel, owned by the Chinese company Jingye, had announced plans to shut down the remaining two blast furnaces in Scunthorpe due to financial instability and challenging market conditions . The government's swift action has averted an immediate crisis, ensuring that the furnaces continue to operate and that the UK remains self-sufficient in steel production .

While this weekend's measures are significant, I hope they represent just the beginning. I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting whatever is required to safeguard our steel industry and the families and communities it supports. The future of our steel industry is vital for our national security, economic stability, and the prosperity of our communities.