A wave of relief and hope has washed over Scunthorpe as an unnamed energy firm has shown interest in taking over the city’s steelworks, following the recent passage of emergency legislation. MP for Brigg and Immingham, Martin Vickers, revealed that ‘tentative approaches’ had been made to the North Lincolnshire Council leadership. Although it’s early days, Council Leader Rob Waltham confirmed discussions with the interested party, a heavy energy consumer, are set to take place this week.
However, Waltham cautioned against a swift handover to private ownership, deeming it essential for the Government to understand how best to sustain the steelworks in the longer term. The government’s recent intervention to rescue Britain’s last operational blast furnaces at Scunthorpe steelworks has been applauded by local representatives.
The new legislation, the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, empowers the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, to ensure operations continue at British Steel. This move comes after allegations of negligence against the Chinese owners, Jingye. The intervention has been praised as a clear sign of the government’s commitment to jobs and the industry, bringing a renewed sense of hope to the town. However, questions remain about the path to nationalisation and the search for a responsible and committed new owner.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
