Parliament has acted – now Government needs to build future of British Steel

The Government must use its new powers over British Steel to secure virgin steelmaking and build a bigger, more ambitious industrial future in Scunthorpe, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council has said.

Cllr Rob Waltham welcomed the speed at which Parliament moved to pass new legislation giving ministers the power to bring British Steel into public ownership.

He said the public interest case had been met, with Scunthorpe’s ability to produce virgin steel fundamental to the UK’s defence, national security, critical infrastructure and economy.

But he warned nationalisation alone was not a long-term plan and set out four priorities for the future of British Steel: competitive energy costs, trade deals that protect British industry, ambitious investment in Scunthorpe and a plan built with the steelworkers and management who know the site.

Cllr Waltham said: “I welcome the speed at which Parliament has moved to this latest step. The powers are now in place and ministers can give British Steel and Scunthorpe’s steelworkers the certainty we have been demanding.

“The public interest test is met. Defence, national security, critical infrastructure and the economy are all written into the legislation. Britain’s ability to make its own virgin steel in Scunthorpe is fundamental to every one of them.

“But nationalisation is not a plan. It is the starting point. The Government must now act.

“Sort out the energy market so British steel can compete. Get trade deals right. Britain’s sovereignty and strategic interests are not bargaining chips and Scunthorpe steel must not become the next thing traded away in pursuit of a deal.

“Invest ambitiously in Scunthorpe to make more British steel. Protect the blast furnaces and Britain’s sovereign ability to make virgin steel, but do not create a false choice between blast furnaces and green steel.

“Scunthorpe can access multiple steel markets through blast furnace production, electric arc and hydrogen-based production.

“And trust the steelworkers and the management. The people who work on this site know the plant, the processes and the opportunities. Any long-term plan must be built with them, not simply handed down to them.

“Parliament has acted. We’re here to work with anyone to get the best outcome for Scunthorpe. Now the Government needs to build.”