Industry Minister, Sarah Jones MP, has declared her intention to converse with the North Lincolnshire Council leader regarding the future of the steel industry and economic growth in the area. This decision comes on the heels of a legislative evaluation of British Steel, which culminated its redundancy consultation without any job losses, and saved up to 2,700 jobs.
Local MPs, notably Martin Vickers and Melanie Onn, were pleased with this development. Vickers stressed the necessity for a locally driven economic strategy and requested a meeting with the minister. North Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham is also expected to participate in the meeting to chart a way forward.
Expressing her commitment to engage with local leaders, Ms Jones underlined their crucial role in determining the region’s future. She further underscored the government’s continuous interaction with British Steel, asserting that the termination of the redundancy consultation does not signify the end of negotiations or government backing.
The destiny of British Steel is still under review, with the possibility of nationalisation or attracting private investment under scrutiny. The government’s target is to pinpoint a commercial partner for joint investment, but as of now, no options have been discarded.
Jones also touched upon some recent difficulties with British Steel’s owners, the Jingye Group, hinting at a stalemate during negotiations to ensure raw materials. Despite the hurdles, discussions with Jingye carry on, as the government retains its focus on securing the steelworks’ future.
This article has been adapted by The Lincoln Post from the original report by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
