Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for the Steel Industry: Covid-19

Wednesday 16 September 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government share the steel industry's ambitions for a sustainable future in Wales.
  • Frequent discussions are held with Cabinet colleagues about supporting the Welsh steel sector.
  • The UK Government did a deal with Celsa that saved 800 jobs in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lucy Powell Labour (Co-op) Manchester Central
Wales Business & Trade
Context

Discussions are ongoing about supporting the Welsh steel sector which has been severely impacted by the economic crisis.

Question

What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the steel industry in Wales during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Simon Hart

The UK Government share the steel industry's ambitions for a sustainable future in Wales. The Business Secretary, the Chancellor, and I worked to reach an agreement with Celsa that saved hundreds of jobs in Wales. Frequent discussions are held with Cabinet colleagues about supporting the Welsh steel industry, especially dealing with the impact of covid-19.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Lucy Powell Labour (Co-op) Manchester Central
Economy Wales
Context

The steel sector in Wales has been adversely affected by the economic crisis. Despite warm words, more concrete action is needed to support this vital industry.

Question

In the debate led by my hon. Friend the Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) held in this House the other evening, we heard about how the Welsh steel sector has been so adversely affected by this economic crisis. The response from the Minister who replied was yet again lots of warm words. When are we going to see more action, notwithstanding Celsa, to support this vital industry in Wales to save jobs and the economy?

Answer from Simon Hart

The UK Government absolutely recognise the importance of the sector. We did the deal with Celsa and saved 800 jobs there, sending a message to other producers that we mean business. The goal is for Wales to have significant steel manufacturing in five years, 10 years, and 15 years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific actions beyond the Celsa deal

How: Actions Speak Louder Than Words, Warm Words

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)