Protecting Steel in the UK

Decades of underinvestment and managed decline have devastated our steel industry, but with the right Government action this crucial industry can still be saved. Investment is needed to transition Britain’s remaining blast furnaces to fully decarbonised steel production.

Shotton steelworks needs to recruit and retain quality employees, but the Government's lack of care is threatening this. The message that the workforce doesn't matter will lead to a loss of skills.

Asked why Labour opposes a west Cumbrian coalmine if steel resources are important for the nation, implying inconsistency in policy.

Closing Port Talbot will make the UK the only G20 country unable to produce its own steel, a decision described as appalling and impacting many constituents.

Challenged the Labour party's understanding of the issue, noting previous efforts by him personally to support workers facing job losses due to these changes.

Steel is a foundational industry and should remain in the UK for its future viability. The decline began with Thatcher, and regions like Teesside have suffered significantly since then.

Defended Government actions, noting £1.25 billion investment in total, including half a billion from the Government to Port Talbot for new plant investment.

Asked why there is no alternative when steel jobs can not only be saved but also created with a proper plan taking advantage of global demand, especially for low-carbon green steel.

Challenged the Opposition to present a credible plan B beyond nostalgia and vague statements, asking about specific costs involved in their proposals.

The Minister expressed sympathy for Tata Steel employees and acknowledged the uncertainty brought by recent announcements. She emphasised that the Government's focus is on ensuring steelmaking continues at Port Talbot with support from the Welsh Government, while also supporting Tata Steel in its transition to cleaner technology. The minister highlighted a £500 million investment to safeguard long-term production in the UK, despite daily losses of £1.5 million. She emphasised the importance of using recycled steel and modern electric arc furnaces to meet customer demands for greener products, stressing that without such investments, there was a risk that Tata Steel would leave Port Talbot. The minister also spoke about setting up a transition board with dedicated funding and engaging in discussions with unions on the multi-union plan.

Asked if the Minister acknowledges that importing steel from India to Shotton is not a long-term solution due to environmental concerns. Also questioned about the timeline for building an electric arc furnace, expressing worries about supply chain resilience.

Suggested that Port Talbot's situation is a result of climate militancy, arguing that manufacturing in-country reduces carbon footprints compared to importing from abroad. Criticised Opposition for halving steel industry jobs during their last term.

Inquired about the Minister's commitment to ensuring that Tata Steel consultations are conducted in a meaningful manner, taking into account proposals from recognised trade unions like Unite, GMB, and Community aimed at saving jobs.

Noted Tata Steel’s daily losses and the need for plant replacement due to outdated facilities. Highlighted that discussions with the Government prevented earlier closure of the plant.

The Tory Government lacks a comprehensive industrial strategy for steel, as evidenced by the inaction since 2015. Steel is crucial to the economy, but the current plan from Tata Steel involves significant job cuts despite government support, raising concerns about environmental impact and national security. The decision to close Port Talbot's furnaces without viable alternatives until 2027 jeopardises both green transition goals and steel supply independence. An independent Scotland could offer a more directed industrial policy.

Stresses that Scunthorpe remains the last place capable of producing virgin steel in the UK, refuting arguments against its necessity. Emphasises the need to control production methods and working conditions within the country. Suggests the importance of retaining blast furnace capability for national security.

Supports the idea that it is vital for the Government's negotiations with British Steel to retain virgin steel capability, reinforcing the points made by Mumby-Croft.

Agrees that maintaining a strong manufacturing base in the UK is crucial for economic resilience and a carbon-neutral future. Emphasises the importance of national production for both economic and environmental reasons.

Highlights the Port Talbot steelworks' significance to the local community and its potential for innovation, arguing that the proposed deal with Tata Steel fails on jobs, decarbonisation, and national security. Suggests that the multi-union plan offers a sustainable path forward by keeping one blast furnace operational during transition.

Hayes supports Cairns' argument, stressing the need to protect core industries from cheap foreign imports that have high environmental costs. He urges the government to prioritise British jobs and manufacturers.

Byrne argues that the government's current steel industry support strategy is inadequate, threatening job security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. He highlights Tata’s plans to import carbon-intensive steel from India or China and criticises the lack of clarity on retaining sovereign virgin steelmaking capability in the UK.

Morden supports union proposals for a phased transition over ten years, questioning the quality and environmental implications of imported steel. She criticises the lack of consultation with unions and argues that the £500 million package effectively funds redundancies without securing long-term industrial viability.

This debate should not be about political sides—it should focus on national security, industry and prosperity. The closure of blast furnaces impacts our ability to produce virgin steel necessary for defence manufacturing such as submarines under AUKUS deal. Recycling existing steel is insufficient due to impurities and cannot be turned into virgin steel. Tata's proposed plan is seen negatively by workers who fear job losses and environmental concerns.

The closure of the last blast furnace in Port Talbot before greener technologies are developed shows the Government’s failure. The deal with Tata Steel is criticised for spending £500 million and losing 2,800 jobs. We should have negotiated a proper deal to ensure a just transition, protecting jobs until other production means are operational, and recognising that electric arc furnaces can only be part of the solution. Developing green technologies such as hydrogen and direct reduction of iron for primary steelmaking is proposed.

The debate is relevant to constituencies far from Port Talbot due to the importance of British steel. The Cromarty firth becoming a green freeport aims to revive local industry for offshore wind structures requiring high-quality steel. UK has fallen to eighth in EU steel production, behind Belgium, highlighting the need for virgin steel production and security of supply.

Steel is vital for green transition and energy generation. Security of supply from UK virgin steel production is needed, especially for nuclear projects. Plaid Cymru proposes nationalisation and mutualisation of Welsh steel industry through green bonds. Lessons can be learned from Germany, Spain, Canada, and Sweden on investing in primary steel production with green hydrogen furnaces.

This is the wrong approach for workers willing to embrace change, the economy of south Wales, carbon emissions, national security, and green technology investments. The Government needs to listen to union-led plans and work with us to find solutions.

I express my concerns on behalf of 2,800 workers at Port Talbot who will lose their jobs due to this decision, which is economically, environmentally, and strategically inept. The UK risks being the only G20 country without capacity to make its own virgin steel, outsourcing emissions and offshoring jobs. This is not a just transition.

This announcement of 2,800 job losses in the steel industry due to Tata Steel's decision is avoidable. We can decarbonise through green steel without deindustrialisation using a mix of technologies, not just electric arc furnaces. The Government's lack of engagement with unions and First Minister Mark Drakeford shows their unwillingness to listen.

Critiques the government's response to Tata Steel job losses, emphasises the importance of primary steel capacity for economic security and green technologies. Questions the government's plan, highlighting job redundancies and carbon importation.

Supports his colleague's points about the negative impact of the current government deal on jobs and steel production capacity. He questions the Secretary of State regarding red lines set by the government for the £500 million investment and calls for transparency.

Questions Labour MPs about a development corporation to diversify local economies affected by heavy reliance on single industries like steel. Also asks if there are Welsh Government funds available to support communities facing job losses in the steel sector.