Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for the Steel Industry

Wednesday 6 November 2024 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to providing up to 2.5 billion for the steel industry, including 500 million for Tata's electric arc furnace at Port Talbot.
  • Transition fund of 800 million has helped nearly 600 former steelworkers since the support centre opened four weeks ago in Port Talbot.
  • 80 million funding for the transition board was secured to support workers and businesses, following the discovery of unfunded promises by the previous government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Economy Wales Energy
Context

The steel industry faces significant challenges, with organisations like Tata Steel requiring substantial financial support.

Question

What steps is the government taking to support the steel industry in Wales? The steel industry is crucial for economic growth and energy transition. With additional funding of £2.5 billion being discussed alongside the existing £500 million for Tata's electric arc furnace at Port Talbot, what specific actions are being taken?

Answer from Jo Stevens

Steelmaking is key to our missions to grow the economy and deliver clean power by 2030. We are committed to providing up to £2.5 billion for steel, including the £500 million already earmarked for Tata's electric arc furnace at Port Talbot. The Government will continue delivering funding such as the £80 million transition board fund announced in the Budget.

Answered
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Q2 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Employment Business & Trade
Context

A steelworkers' support centre has been established to help former workers. The centre assists almost 600 individuals, highlighting the need for transition funding.

Question

Unlike previous governments, this government is committed to enabling the £800 million transition fund to support former steelworkers. Visiting the steelworkers' support centre in Port Talbot, it has helped nearly 600 people since opening four weeks ago. Can the Secretary of State join me in thanking Community union and other organisations for setting up the centre? What is the current status of the transition fund?

Answer from Jo Stevens

The hub, a one-stop shop to help workers affected by changes at Tata, has been successful with funding from the UK Government via the transition board. The Government is determined to support workers and businesses through this partnership of Governments, unions, and local council.

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Q3 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Wales Business & Trade
Context

The Chancellor confirmed £80 million of funding for the transition board, which is chaired by the Secretary of State. This money was previously promised but not funded.

Question

Thanking the Secretary of State for her work supporting the steel industry and communities, including Port Talbot. The Chancellor confirmed £80 million for the transition board in the Budget. Why was this funding necessary?

Answer from Jo Stevens

In her first week as Welsh Secretary, she discovered that the £80 million promised by the previous Conservative Government for the transition board was part of unfunded promises. She fought for this money to ensure workers and businesses were not unsupported.

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Q4 Mims Davies Con East Grinstead and Uckfield
Wales Business & Trade
Context

The new deal for Tata Steel is identical to the one negotiated by a previous Conservative Government member. There is debate about whether this represents a change or continuity.

Question

At her first Wales Questions, she needs to acknowledge that the recent deal for Tata steel re-announced by the UK government is identical to what was previously negotiated by her predecessor in the role. The £1.25 billion transformation project at Port Talbot will deliver a state-of-the-art electric furnace, with contract just signed.

Answer from Jo Stevens

Welcoming the hon. Lady to her role and joining her in tribute to Debbie John, she notes that the £1.25 billion transformation project at Port Talbot will deliver a state-of-the-art electric furnace, secured within 10 weeks without additional funding beyond the previously announced £500 million.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address why she needs to acknowledge that the deal is identical

How: Welcoming The Hon. Lady, Joining Her In Tribute

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Q5 Mims Davies Con East Grinstead and Uckfield
Economy Employment Energy
Context

There is a claim that the cash had been sitting there the whole time and no support was in place, requiring an apology.

Question

Delighted she has read the deal they wrote but stating facts: despite protests, it's the same deal negotiated by the last Conservative Government involving the same amount of money. No additional funding beyond £500 million for electric arc furnace or transition board.

Answer from Jo Stevens

Apology is due to people of Port Talbot as previous government promised £80 million for a transition board that delivered not a single penny, now knowing the £80 million did not exist.

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Q6 David Chadwick Lib Dem Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Economy Employment Transport
Context

Closure of the last blast furnace at Port Talbot resulted in job losses. The global centre for rail excellence at Onllwyn could reverse economic contraction and bring back jobs.

Question

The closure of the last blast furnace at Port Talbot has led to thousands of highly skilled job losses across south Wales, prompting an economic contraction. With projects like the global centre for rail excellence at Onllwyn offering potential for reversing deindustrialisation and bringing good jobs to south Wales, can she confirm further UK Government investments in that project?

Answer from Jo Stevens

Significant investments are being made as a result of this government's work: £63 billion at the international investment summit, £1 billion to Shotton Mill securing 300 jobs. She will write to him about the rail project.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on further investments in the rail project or conversations had

How: Significant Investments Are Being Made

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