A sticking plaster, not a solution: What next for British Steel?
Saturday, 12 April 2025 Sir Keir Starmer was flying the flag for domestic steel production on Saturday as his government passed emergency legislation to give itself extraordinary powers to intervene in the running of the steel works in Scunthorpe and elsewhere.
Senior government ministers depart Number Ten following Sir Keir Starmer chaired his first Cabinet meeting since the government agreed new arrangements with the European Union on Monday. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The new deal with the European Union strengthens the UK’s borders, Sir Keir Starmer has said in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister said the Government should be “proud” to give young people the opportunity of a “controlled youth experience scheme”, while also helping British holiday makers because they will be able to use e-gates when they travel to Europe. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Nigel Farage says Chinese firms should have no role in UK infrastructure after ministers took control of British Steel. The government acted over the weekend amid fears its Chinese owner planned to shut Scunthorpe’s furnaces. Farage said China is “not a friend of ours” and warned the UK must “find alternatives” even if it means less investment. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Jonathan Reynolds says he is “delighted” vital raw materials have arrived to keep the blast furnaces operating at British Steel’s plant in Scunthorpe. Speaking at nearby Immingham Port, the business secretary also hinted at concerns over future Chinese involvement in the steelworks following a clear ‘difference of opinion’ with its previous owners. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Raw materials secured by the Government have arrived in the UK to keep British Steel blast furnaces burning after a race to save the company’s Scunthorpe plant. Ministers have taken control of the firm to ensure supplies such as coking coal and iron ore reach the site after talks with its Chinese owner, Jingye, broke down. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Industry minister Sarah Jones says the government would prefer to find a private sector partner to manage the steelworks in Scunthorpe – but refuses to rule out the involvement of another Chinese firm. Speaking on the day a shipment of raw supplies is due to arrive at the plant, Jones also defended the government’s support package, saying the £2.5 billion fund will help ensure the site’s future and avoid even higher costs from closure and job losses. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed that the government has secured the raw materials needed to keep Scunthorpe steel plant going. It comes as the government stepped in over the weekend to take it over from Chinese company Jingye after it threatened to shut down one of the furnaces today. "We've got the raw materials, they've been paid for and we're confident that the furnaces will continue to fire," Ms Rayner said. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn