Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Steel Supply Chain Jobs

Thursday 2 May 2024 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Stephen Kinnock asked the Minister about the carbon border adjustment mechanism to ensure British steelworkers compete fairly with heavily polluting industries.
  • Holly Mumby-Croft inquired about concerns in Scunthorpe regarding steel supply chain jobs tied to virgin steelmaking, noting the previous commitment to a place for virgin steelmaking in the UK.
  • Sarah Jones welcomed the Minister to his position and noted his visit to Port Talbot steelworks, though she criticized his failure to meet actual steelworkers during the visit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Climate Business & Trade Environment
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Alan Mak

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm or deny an exemption for India, stating the policy is still under design with ongoing consultations.

How: Under Review, Consultation Ongoing

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Q2 Holly Mumby-Croft
Employment Business & Trade
Context

Scunthorpe residents are concerned about the future of jobs related to virgin steelmaking. The previous Minister had committed to supporting this sector.

Question

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.

Answer from Alan Mak

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.

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm support for virgin steelmaking in Scunthorpe or commit to specific negotiations.

How: Meeting Planned

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Q3 Sarah Jones Lab Croydon West
Employment Wales
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Alan Mak

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to publishing an economic assessment or clarify his plan for virgin steel capacity loss.

How: Will Meet Workers

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