Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch has visited British Steel at Scunthorpe and said it had been fascinating seeing first-hand the important work that goes on there every day, and Scunthorpe’s steelworks’ significance for the local economy, and for our steel industry generally, cannot be overstated.
“It’s a crucial time for the industry as our country moves towards net zero and I know steelmakers are working hard to make changes to cut their carbon emissions.”
Under discussion were the significant challenges Britain’s steelmakers face, and the pressing need for support from the UK Government on the journey to net zero.
British Steel is the UK’s only manufacturer of structural sections and these go into three out of four major construction projects in this country. It is also the only company in the UK making rail and special profiles.
In addition to this, it provides thousands of highly skilled and well-paid jobs while an estimated 19,000 people are employed in its supply chain.
The company says it wants to progress discussions with the government as a shareholder – which has invested £330 million in capital projects at British Steel in three years – is committed to transforming the business with further planned investments providing the government can give assurances of a competitive landscape for energy and carbon.
