Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Steel Industry (Alleviation of Financial Difficulties) Bill - Clause 3 - Sunset for exercise of principal transfer powers

14 July 2026 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Chris McDonald Lab Bristol North West

Business & Trade

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris McDonald raised concerns about steel industry (alleviation of financial difficulties) bill - clause 3 - sunset for exercise of principal transfer powers in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Government supports all the Lords amendments to the Steel Industry (Alleviation of Financial Difficulties) Bill
  • Amendment 1 restricts extensions of sunset power to two-year increments requiring parliamentary approval
  • Amendments 2 and 3 require the Secretary of State to consider costs associated with exercising principal transfer powers

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Chris McDonald Lab Bristol North West

The Government support all the Lords amendments before us, which strengthen the Steel Industry (Alleviation of Financial Difficulties) Bill. Amendment 1 ensures that the sunset power in the Bill may be extended only by increments of two years, requiring parliamentary approval at regular intervals to keep principal transfer powers on the statute book. Amendments 2 and 3 place a duty on the Secretary of State to consider costs likely associated with exercising these powers, ensuring that such considerations are part of any decision-making process. Additionally, Lords amendments 4-18 address various procedural improvements for scrutiny by Parliament.

Other contributors (4)
  • Andrew Griffith Con Harworth

    The Conservative party supports the amendments before the House. It criticises the lack of a detailed plan from the Government regarding steel nationalisation and highlights that without a cap on support, the figure could be more than £2.5 billion over three years. The amendments limit power for Ministers to bring further steel businesses into public ownership every two years and require the Secretary of State to weigh likely costs before making share transfer or property transfer regulations. They also shift the regulations governing continuity obligations from negative procedure to affirmative, ensuring Parliament's consent.

  • Sarah Olney Lib Dem Westbourne

    The Liberal Democrats welcome this legislation as a temporary emergency measure aimed at turning around British Steel before it can be returned to the private sector. They support amendments that require the Secretary of State to consider expected costs to taxpayers and ensure environmental liabilities are explicitly identified and accounted for before compensation payments are made. Additionally, they appreciate measures promoting parliamentary scrutiny and accountability, such as debates within 12 months of Royal Assent and repeated ministerial statements on acquisition days.

  • Martin Vickers Con Cleethorpes

    Welcomes the Government's acceptance of Lords amendments regarding steelworks job retention. Emphasises the importance of maintaining employment in his constituency's Scunthorpe steelworks. Highlights future concerns about energy costs and their impact on heavy industries, urging action to address these issues.

  • Chris McDonald

    Defends government actions taken to support British industry despite previous high energy prices under a different administration. Outlines measures such as the energy-intensive scheme, supercharger scheme relief, and British industrial competitiveness scheme to address uncompetitive energy costs. Critiques opposition's stance on tariffs and coal for coking ovens, questioning shadow Secretary of State’s ideological position. Argues that nationalisation offers opportunities for private sector investment and aligns with patriotic duty.

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