Steel Industry 2024-01-25
2024-01-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the fiscal steps to support the steel industry, citing recent discussions and potential impacts on jobs in Port Talbot.
Whether she has had recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on taking fiscal steps to help support the steel industry. The steel sector is crucial for UK economy; without £500m investment, 8,000 jobs at Port Talbot and 12,500 in supply chain would be at risk.
The Chancellor and I meet regularly. We know the importance of the steel sector; we are investing over £500m in Port Talbot site. More than £100m has been provided for affected employees and local economy, with Tata providing additional £130m support.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the conditions attached to the £500m investment given to Tata Steel, suggesting it was an empty bluff.
Ministers keep spinning this line that Tata Steel was threatening to close down the Port Talbot works and walk away; they know dismantling costs were vast. Is the £500m taxpayers' money given without conditions? Was PM giving green light for 2,800 redundancies?
Steelworkers should know we are working together. We work closely on protecting steelworkers as much as possible, rejecting claims that it would be better to risk losing UK steelmaking and managing site costs.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the £500m was given without conditions for redundancies.
We Are Working Together
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asks about ensuring the Treasury understands the strategic importance of a virgin steelmaking capability in the UK.
Will the Minister ensure her conversations with the Treasury understand the vital strategic importance of a virgin steelmaking capability here in the UK?
We are working hard with companies like Tata Steel in Scunthorpe, and we understand how important virgin steelmaking is. Technology has advanced so that 90% of all steel can now be made in electric arc furnaces.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on strategic importance discussions with Treasury
We Are Working Hard
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a Daily Telegraph article questioning the Government's minimalist plan for UK steel and proposes an industrial policy.
Mr Speaker: The UK steel industry, trade unions, and Labour are proposing an industrial policy worthy of a serious industrial country. Is it correct?
Labour's £28 billion proposal has no plan behind it; we are saving 5,000 jobs at Port Talbot. Customers want cleaner steel, and Port Talbot cannot function with its ageing blast furnaces under our package.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on adequacy of Government's minimalist plan
Our Package Will Save Jobs
Response accuracy