Scunthorpe’s steelmaking future looks brighter as North Lincolnshire Council hails the government’s decision to wield control over the industry. This move was triggered by an unusual recall of Parliament, resulting in emergency legislation swiftly passing through the Commons and Lords. Ultimately, the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act was enacted following Royal Assent, empowering the government to ensure British Steel keeps the Scunthorpe plant operational.
This urgent action was necessitated by the breakdown of negotiations with British Steel’s owners, Jingye, to maintain the functioning of the blast furnaces. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds blamed the company for not negotiating ‘in good faith’, accusing it of reducing its purchase of necessary raw materials.
This landmark decision has been welcomed by the North Lincolnshire Council, which views this as a crucial step towards securing thousands of jobs in the region and ensuring the UK continues to produce primary steel. However, concerns over the cost and duration of these emergency powers were raised by MPs during the debate. Regardless, the council remains committed to working with the government to secure a bright future for the region with steelmaking at its heart.
As this political drama unfolded, Scunthorpe’s streets were filled with hundreds of people marching in a show of solidarity with the steelworkers. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited steel workers near Scunthorpe, expressing his commitment to safeguarding their jobs and the steel industry.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
