Local MP Martin Vickers has brought to light the possible ramifications for Scunthorpe and its inhabitants if British Steel proceeds to shut down its steelmaking operations in the town. The closure could directly affect nearly 2,700 jobs. As a response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that all alternatives are being considered to secure the steelworks’ future, with emergency nationalisation being one of them. Fears are rife that the furnaces could cease operations by mid-May due to depleting raw materials. The situation is further complicated as Parliament is currently in recess for the Easter break.
Drawing parallels with Grimsby’s decline following the end of its deep-sea fishing industry, Vickers emphasised the long-term socio-economic impact such a closure could have on a community. He pointed out that a town losing its primary industry can lead to a host of issues including an increased burden of chronic illnesses, lower life expectancy, reduced productivity, inflated healthcare costs, and weakened community cohesion.
Vickers, who has long advocated for the steelworks in Parliament, believes that the closure could have serious implications, not only for the local community but also for the nation’s security. He also expressed concern over the potential loss of the UK’s ability to produce its own steel, a capacity not lost by any other G7 country. He further reiterated his support for temporary nationalisation, viewing it as a means to provide a ‘breathing space’, attract private sector investment, and safeguard jobs.
Despite the uncertainty around the steelworks, Vickers highlighted North Lincolnshire Council’s proposed Green Growth Zone and AI Growth Zone as potential employment sources. If approved, these projects could generate 10,000 construction jobs and 1,200 on-site jobs, and secure 4,000 in the supply chain. Furthermore, the AI growth zone could bring in £15 billion in private business investment, making it crucial for northern Lincolnshire regardless of the steelworks’ fate.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
