Lincolnshire Mayoral Hopefuls Mull Nationalisation Amid British Steel’s Scunthorpe Site Woes

The aspiring Mayors of Greater Lincolnshire have voiced their desolation over the looming threat to nearly 2,700 jobs at British Steel’s Scunthorpe operation. Some contenders are even advocating for nationalisation as a possible lifeline. British Steel has divulged that negotiations with the Government for a support package to transition to two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) have hit a dead end. The company is now deliberating with its workforce and unions regarding the closure of its two blast furnaces and a reduction of steel rolling mill capacity in Scunthorpe, a move that could transpire as early as June. Conservative mayoral candidate and North Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham, has beseeched the Government to be ready to intervene, potentially nationalising British Steel or covering the wages of the impacted workers. Reform UK’s candidate, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, pointed to Labour’s push for net zero and US tariffs as contributing factors to the current predicament, emphasising the need for the Labour Government to recommence talks. Meanwhile, Labour candidate, Jason Stockwood, described the potential closures’ impact on local families and national security as ‘monumental’, urging the Government to secure a deal preserving jobs and the industry’s future. Lincolnshire Independents’ candidate, Marianne Overton, labelled the risk to 2,700 jobs as ‘appalling’ and suggested that nationalisation might be necessary.