Steel Supply Chain Jobs 2024-05-02
2024-05-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is intended to ensure a level playing field for British steelworkers by imposing tariffs on high-polluting imports. Recent media reports suggest India may seek an exemption.
When it is finally introduced, the carbon border adjustment mechanism will provide a vital tool to ensure that British steelworkers have a level playing field so that they can compete against heavily polluting steel industries in other parts of the world, but recent media reports have indicated that India is lobbying No. 10 for an exemption from the UK CBAM.
I was pleased to visit the hon. Gentleman's constituency as part of my first round of visits in this new role. I look forward to meeting him again later this month. He is right that the Government are committed to ensuring that UK decarbonisation efforts lead to a true reduction in global emissions. The CBAM policy is still being designed. The consultation is ongoing, and I recommend that he contributes to it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm or deny an exemption for India, stating the policy is still under design with ongoing consultations.
Under Review
Consultation Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Scunthorpe residents are concerned about the future of jobs related to virgin steelmaking. The previous Minister had committed to supporting this sector.
Residents in Scunthorpe are particularly concerned about steel supply chain jobs related to virgin steelmaking. My hon. Friend's predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden (Ms Ghani), was very clear from the Dispatch Box that we obviously need a place for virgin steelmaking in the UK, and that that place is Scunthorpe.
I was pleased to visit my hon. Friend's constituency to meet steelworkers and British Steel management during my visits last month. I know that she is a passionate and dedicated champion for her community and for steelworkers there. I look forward to meeting her again next week ahead of the visit of the Secretary of State to her constituency, and to discussing these matters and others.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm support for virgin steelmaking in Scunthorpe or commit to specific negotiations.
Meeting Planned
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Minister visited Port Talbot last week but did not meet any actual steelworkers. The Government is providing £500 million for the loss of nearly 3,000 jobs.
No commitment to virgin steel from the Minister, then—what a shame. I welcome him to his place, and note that he visited Port Talbot steelworks last week, but he failed to meet any actual steelworkers of course.
This Conservative Government have given more support to the steel sector than any Government before us. When I went to Port Talbot, I was pleased to meet steelworkers, and I will continue to do so. I also sit on the transition board. I will continue to support steel in south Wales and all the opportunities that the sector will bring.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to publishing an economic assessment or clarify his plan for virgin steel capacity loss.
Will Meet Workers
Response accuracy