Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

UK Steel Strategy

19 March 2026 · 22 other contributors

Opened by Peter Kyle Lab Hove

ScotlandWalesEnergyBusiness & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Peter Kyle raised concerns about uk steel strategy in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Government commits 2.5 billion to the British steel sector to reverse decades of decline.
  • The strategy includes a new trade measure to reduce imported steel quotas by 60% and impose a 50% tariff on excess imports.
  • The focus is on transitioning to greener steel production using electric arc furnaces and recycling scrap steel.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Peter Kyle Lab Hove

The Government’s steel strategy aims to reverse decades of decline in the British steel sector by committing £2.5 billion of investment and introducing a new trade measure to reduce imported steel quotas by 60% from July, subjecting excess imports to a 50% tariff. The strategy also focuses on transitioning towards greener steel production through the use of electric arc furnaces and recycling scrap steel, aiming to make British steel competitive in terms of energy costs and supportive of foundational industries.

Other contributors (22)
  • Judith Cummins Lab Bradford South

    Called for order to be maintained so that the Secretary of State could continue his statement on the Government’s steel strategy.

  • Peter Kyle Lab Hove

    Emphasised the importance of electric arc furnaces in transitioning from traditional blast furnaces and highlighted measures to make British steel production greener, more competitive, and better integrated with wind farms. He also mentioned private sector investment, government support for foundational industries, and international contracts such as a £70 million deal with Nigeria involving British Steel Limited.

  • Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

    The Conservatives criticise the Government's steel strategy as a multibillion-pound investment lacking an exit plan and risking a permanent drain on taxpayers. They highlight that British Steel was losing £700,000 daily before emergency action, yet now taxpayers are losing £1.3 million daily with subsidies of £110,000 per job to keep the Scunthorpe blast furnace operational.

  • Peter Kyle Lab Hove

    The Labour Government understands the breadth and depth of the steel industry across Wales and is committed to supporting the sector. They refute claims that they are exiting British Steel without investment, stating that doing nothing would be worse for the community. The strategy aims at fair trade by correcting market overcapacity, investing in modernisation, protecting where necessary, and engaging with EU counterparts.

  • Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

    Welcomes the Government's steel strategy as a holistic approach to national security and economic prosperity. Asks for details on how this will relate to EU measures and support UK manufacturers facing 'made in Europe' tariffs.

  • David Chadwick

    Critiques Labour MPs for broken promises regarding £2.5 billion steel industry investment, pointing out that British steel production has fallen and thousands of jobs have been lost since blast furnaces were turned off. Urges the Government to expedite delivery on their promises.

  • Jessica Morden Lab Newport East

    Acknowledges the boldness of the steel strategy but urges for greater investment in projects that reduce reliance on imported steel, citing dedication and potential of young workforce at Llanwern steelworks.

  • Martin Vickers Con Cleethorpes

    Asks for clarity from the Government regarding future operations of existing blast furnaces and establishment of arc furnaces in Scunthorpe, seeking certainty about his constituents' futures.

  • Pamela Nash Lab Airdrie and Shotts

    Welcomes the announcement of a steel strategy that promises to deliver across Britain, focusing on the importance of Dalzell plate mill in Motherwell for both community and British defence industry.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Questions the impact of high energy costs on Scunthorpe steelworks, raising concerns about the future of virgin steel production due to ageing blast furnaces and long lead times for arc furnace installation.

  • Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East

    Welcomes the strategy but asks how public bodies will be incentivised to procure British steel, especially in relation to Sheffield's Forgemasters and Liberty Steelworks.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee West

    Critiques the UK Government for failing to invest adequately in Scottish steel industries post-Brexit and demands an apology for perceived neglect and betrayal.

  • Euan Stainbank

    Welcomes the strategy's ambition but calls for renewed engagement with Grangemouth stakeholders to ensure promised job creation is realised quickly.

  • Harriet Cross

    Questions whether transitioning from blast furnaces to arc furnaces will undermine virgin steel capabilities, seeking reassurance on this point.

  • Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central

    Supports the plan but inquires about accelerating electricity connections for Scunthorpe's conversion to electric arc furnaces under supercharger programme.

  • Greg Smith

    Asks about the impact of Employment Rights Act 2025 and national insurance tax increases on steel industry viability, noting the £37 million cost associated with these changes.

  • Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli

    Welcomes support for Welsh steel industry but seeks details on securing scrap metal supplies and research to ensure electric arc furnaces can produce high-quality steel needed by Trostre works.

  • Richard Tice

    At least this Government have a steel strategy, unlike the previous Administration. They are right to impose tariffs and quotas but lack vision otherwise. The public sector is buying steel from China instead of supporting British Steel and workers in Scunthorpe. There is no clear future for blast furnaces at Scunthorpe or guarantees for new electric arc furnaces.

  • Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent

    Proud of his steelworker father and criticises previous Tory Governments. Welcomes the strategy but seeks more details on infrastructure projects and public procurement notices to support jobs in communities.

  • Ben Lake PC Ceredigion

    Welcomes the steel strategy, especially its focus on Wales. Asks for further detail on types of investment and timescales expected for Welsh steel sites.

  • Alex Barros-Curtis

    Refers to his union membership and commends the Government's support for Welsh steel. Criticises previous Conservative and coalition Governments for leaving the industry vulnerable.

  • Luke Myer

    Welcomes the strategy after years of neglect but highlights energy costs as a major issue affecting competitiveness and job security in the future.

Government Response

Government Minister

The strategy aims at fair trade by correcting market overcapacity, investing in modernisation, protecting where necessary, and engaging with EU counterparts. The Government is committed to supporting the steel industry through boldness, creativity, and urgency. Confirms the Government's commitment to support British steel industry, emphasising sustainable production through modernisation efforts and addressing specific concerns raised about energy costs, procurement policies, and technological transitions. Emphasises Government's investment in infrastructure, public procurement policies to increase domestic steel supply, collaboration between Welsh Governments, support for modernisation of steel industry in Wales and Skinningrove.

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