Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about ongoing support for the UK's steel industry, which has faced significant challenges and restructuring.
What steps she is taking to help support the steel industry. The Government have abandoned Teesside steel several years ago and may now be ready to give up on primary steelmaking in the UK, relying instead on recycled materials through electric arc furnaces. Despite local attempts to secure planning consent improperly, will the Minister investigate this? Will she confirm a final agreement that an electric arc furnace will definitely be built on Teesside?
Our commitment to UK steel is clear with up to £500 million joint investment with Tata Steel. More than £730 million has been delivered since 2013 for energy cost relief, and procurement policies are updated to ensure more domestic procuring. We are in talks with British Steel following generous offers of support.
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Assessment & feedback
Investigating improper local procedures for securing planning consent and confirming a final agreement for the electric arc furnace in Teesside.
Fundamentally Locally
Closely Work With Mayor Ben Houchen
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the Government's previous abandonment of Teesside steel and their current approach to supporting primary steelmaking in the UK through recycled materials using electric arc furnaces. There are local concerns about proper procedures being circumvented for securing planning consent.
We are disappointed that the Government abandoned Teesside steel years ago and may now rely on recycled material utilising electric arc furnaces, with Teesside pencilled in for one such furnace. Will the Minister investigate improper local attempts to secure planning consent? More importantly, will she confirm a final agreement ensuring an electric arc furnace is definitely built on Teesside?
Issues raised are fundamentally local, closely working with Mayor Ben Houchen on his region. Reality is steel sector faced uncertainty; support provided to Tata Steel at Port Talbot and largest grant ever made available to steel industry, now in conversation with British Steel for long-term UK steel strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
Investigating improper local procedures for securing planning consent and confirming a final agreement for the electric arc furnace in Teesside.
Fundamentally Locally
Closely Work With Mayor Ben Houchen
Response accuracy