Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Steel: Government Infrastructure Projects

Tuesday 27 April 2021 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has spent over 500 million supporting the steel sector
  • Government is addressing high electricity prices through measures to decarbonise the steel industry
  • Government is working with businesses to understand issues and engage sectors affected by COVID and EU relationship

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Economy Climate Energy
Context

Steel is crucial for jobs, national security and climate change. The sector faces significant challenges due to high electricity prices compared to Germany.

Question

Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations in my district? Steel is central to good jobs, national security, and combating climate change. There can be no post-pandemic recovery without a strong steel industry. Will the Chancellor commit today to recognising the strategic importance of steel by reducing electricity prices so that our steelmakers can compete?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The government has spent over £500 million on supporting the steel sector and is taking steps to decarbonise it, including a £250 million clean steel fund. We are addressing high electricity prices through these measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to reducing electricity prices for UK steelmakers beyond mentioning ongoing support and the clean steel fund.

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Q2 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Energy Business & Trade
Context

Steel jobs are crucial, with high electricity prices affecting competitiveness. The EU research fund for coal and steel will be returned to the UK.

Question

Will the Chancellor commit today to recognising the strategic importance of the steel industry by reducing electricity prices so that our steelmakers can compete on a level playing field?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The government is taking steps to support the decarbonisation of the steel industry, including a £250 million clean steel fund. We are addressing high electricity prices through these measures and supporting companies like Celsa with loans to secure jobs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to reducing electricity prices for UK steelmakers beyond mentioning ongoing support and the clean steel fund.

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Q3 Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead
Brexit Energy Environment
Context

Steel jobs are crucial, with high electricity prices affecting competitiveness. The EU research fund for coal and steel will be returned to the UK.

Question

Will the government ring-fence the money from the EU research fund for coal and steel to support decarbonising and modernising the industry, given its importance in protecting jobs?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The government is taking steps to decarbonise the UK steel industry, including a £250 million clean steel fund. We are working with businesses to understand issues and engage sectors affected by covid and our relationship with the EU.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to ring-fencing funds from the EU research fund for supporting decarbonisation of the industry.

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