House of Commons · Urgent Question
27 March 2025 · 19 other contributors
Opened by Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Martin Vickers raised concerns about scunthorpe steelworks 2025-03-27 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the future plans for maintaining blast furnace production at Scunthorpe until an alternative arc furnace installation is up and running? What support will be provided to North Lincolnshire council's proposed projects, such as the green growth zone, and how will the Government consider other regional initiatives seeking support?
Question
Will the Minister confirm that the blast furnaces will remain operational until an alternative arc furnace installation is up and running? What about supporting local projects such as the green growth zone in North Lincolnshire?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed a preference to keep blast furnaces open before securing supply of steel due to customer confidence. She also mentioned discussions with North Lincolnshire council on British Steel and wider regional support while considering all options for industry support.
Question
Will the TRA act urgently to safeguard against diverted Chinese steel entering UK market as it will in Europe?
Minister reply
TRA has announced widening review of UK steel defences, acting on challenge from UK Steel. Secretary of State and others are reviewing steel defences for support.
Question
What is the impact on Britain’s defence industry and national security with closure of Scunthorpe plant? What is progress in US trade negotiations and concerns from British Steel regarding net zero targets?
Minister reply
Closure would jeopardise defence efforts, impacting national security. Tariffs are being negotiated positively with cool heads navigating through challenging global landscape. Concerns about green targets are acknowledged.
Question
Will the Minister meet steelworkers unions urgently to discuss multi-union plan for Scunthorpe?
Minister reply
Minister has been working closely with trade unions, discussing their plans while hoping British Steel accepts generous public funding offer and considers keeping blast furnaces open.
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that supporting British SMEs into the steel industry will make it more competitive and sustainable?
Minister reply
The steel strategy, which includes £2.5 billion to invest, considers stimulating demand, using R&D and getting out of scrap in the UK.
Question
Will the Government do anything—tariffs or Secretary of State going up to Scunthorpe—to ensure we keep vital national interest going?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State and I are talking with Jingye, investigating direct reduced iron technology. The reality is that the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe are old infrastructure that needs updating.
Question
Will the steel plan look not at a 10-year horizon but at one of 25 to 30 years?
Minister reply
Yes, having a long view has to be right. We are developing a steel strategy that will secure the industry well into the future.
Question
When is the spring when the Government plan to publish their industrial strategy?
Minister reply
The offer made was conditional on job targets, fair terms for workers, adhering to UK law. We have a grip and are working with officials all the time.
Question
Will the Minister confirm that she remains steely in her determination to secure the future of UK construction and steel industries?
Minister reply
We are doing everything we can to secure a deal with British Steel. Workers will be deeply worried, but we hope they take some comfort from our efforts.
Question
When will the Government get a grip on the production of primary steel?
Minister reply
We are in a better position than many other countries. The US has visited precisely the same tariffs on UK steel as on Chinese, but we have strength and relationships with the US that others lack.
Question
Why will we not give a guarantee that the blast furnaces will not close down?
Minister reply
We are operating within an environment where British Steel is making its own decisions. We have put an offer on the table for redevelopment and transition, but they have decided to launch a consultation on redundancies.
Question
May I urge the Minister to take this opportunity to be positive and consider taking British Steel into public ownership for a long-term investment plan in steelmaking?
Minister reply
Through our £2.5 billion plan, we aim to invest in the steel industry and keep it going. We are aware of the importance of primary steelmaking but also recognise that modern electric arc furnaces can be more efficient alternatives.
Question
Can you provide a timeline for when the Government will report back on progress regarding the steel strategy?
Minister reply
We aim to return to the House in spring with further details of our plan for spending the remaining £2.5 billion fund, urging British Steel to come back and discuss the offer.
Question
Will you ensure that decisions on critical national infrastructure will not compromise our ability to stand independently?
Minister reply
We are committed to ensuring that any decisions do not reduce our ability to act independently in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Question
Does the Minister agree that continuing cast steel roll production is essential for Scunthorpe, Port Talbot, and other communities?
Minister reply
We need to protect various parts of our steel chain. The meeting with Union Electric Steel highlights this importance.
Question
Can the Minister recognise that domestic virgin steel production is a national security imperative?
Minister reply
Domestic virgin steel production is indeed important for national security. We will ensure we have the right mix, including using electric arc furnaces where appropriate.
Question
What meetings has the Minister had with house builders as part of the Government's steel strategy?
Minister reply
I meet house builders regularly, including today. Steel production and recycling are crucial for construction, especially in meeting targets for building 1.5 million homes.
Question
How can the Government give confidence to workers in Scunthorpe and industries reliant on steel across the UK?
Minister reply
Immediate support will be provided through DWP and DE, with a transition board for skills training and support if closure occurs. We are doing everything possible to prevent such an outcome.
Government Response
Firstly, Sarah Jones acknowledged the announcement of plans to close blast furnaces at Scunthorpe by British Steel. She expressed concern and commitment towards supporting affected workers with contingency plans activated to ensure support from DWP and DfE teams on the ground for as long as necessary. The Minister also confirmed £2.5 billion investment in steel sector, earmarking funding for British Steel beyond the deal with Tata Steel. A conditional financial offer was made designed to deliver sustainable future but awaits acceptance by the company. She reiterated the Government's commitment to work tirelessly to find a solution while maintaining support for primary steelmaking.