Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Steel Industry

Wednesday 23 March 2022 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government recognises the importance of the steel industry in Wales and the UK.
  • A 30 million loan was secured for Celsa, helping to secure over 1,000 steel jobs during the pandemic.
  • Business Secretary met the steel sector recently, offering reassurance on energy cost issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Wales Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from concerns about the financial health and future of steel companies in Wales. The MP highlights a specific loan but seeks broader commitments.

Question

What steps he is taking to support the steel industry in Wales? The UK Government recognise the importance of the steel industry in Wales and the UK, securing a £30 million loan for Celsa and helping to secure more than 1,000 steel jobs during the pandemic. However, further measures are requested.

Answer from Simon Hart

The UK Government recognises the importance of the steel industry in Wales and the UK. A £30 million loan was secured for Celsa, demonstrating our commitment. Our response during the pandemic helped to secure more than 1,000 steel jobs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps beyond the mentioned loan and job security were not detailed.

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Q2 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Brexit Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP references the Prime Minister's pre-Brexit promise to address high energy costs affecting steel producers and questions whether current measures have been effective.

Question

While campaigning for Brexit in 2016, the Prime Minister told steelworkers that it was 'mad' not being able to cut steel energy costs due to EU rules. Post-Brexit, with high energy bills burdening Welsh steel producers, is it not madder now that little has been done?

Answer from Simon Hart

The hon. Lady has campaigned effectively for the steel industry in Wales and more widely. The Business Secretary met the steel sector recently, offering reassurance on the issue raised. The Chancellor's statement today may address this matter, while the International Trade Secretary lifted US-UK steel tariffs overnight, making a significant difference to the UK steel industry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact of high energy costs and actions taken to reduce them were not directly addressed.

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