This past weekend, the House of Commons was abuzz as MPs from across the region passionately debated the future of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, where 2,700 employees are facing potential unemployment. The discussion occurred during a seldom-seen Saturday parliamentary session focused on the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill. Richard Tice of Reform UK called for the privatisation of British Steel, while Conservative MP Victoria Atkins expressed concerns over the financial burden on taxpayers. Labour’s Melanie Onn described the bill as merely a ‘sticking plaster’. The government has stated that the legislation is aimed at empowering ministers to intervene and prevent the site’s Chinese owner from shutting down its blast furnaces. Richard Tice, representing Boston and Skegness, suggested that the government should seize the opportunity to nationalise British Steel amid accusations of Jingye’s lack of good faith. Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle, Victoria Atkins, criticised the government for hastily recalling Parliament, questioning the adequacy of the legislation in preserving jobs and protecting the steel industry, whilst also raising doubts about the future costs to the taxpayers.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
