MPs are set to return to the Commons on Saturday during Easter recess to discuss British Steel’s future.
Westminster (Image: Getty)
Keir Starmer has instructed MPs to return to the Commons on Saturday to vote on legislation to nationalise British Steel. The proposed law would compel the current Chinese owner to transfer control to the Government because it is a matter of “national interest”
MPs will debate draft legislation giving the Government “the power to direct steel companies in England” to protect British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, Downing Street has said. The House of Commons is to be recalled at 11am.
The House of Lords is also being recalled, with the legislation set to make it to the Upper House by 2pm.
A No10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has been clear, his government will always act in the national interest. All actions we take are in the name of British industry, British jobs and for British workers.
“Tomorrow Parliament will be recalled to debate the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill. The Bill provides the government with the power to direct steel companies in England, which we will use to protect the Scunthorpe site. It enables the UK government to preserve capability and ensure public safety. It also ensures all options remain viable for the future of the plant and the livelihoods it supports.
“We have been negotiating with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We have always been clear there is a bright future for steel in the UK. All options remain on the table.”
MPs are being told to return from their constituencies so they can sit to talk about the issue of British Steel and its uncertain future. Politicians had left Westminster for their Easter break on Tuesday.
British Steel has been warning the raw materials used to produce steel in two blast furnaces at the Scunthorpe plant may soon run out.
Nigel Farage reiterated his backing for the nationalisation of British Steel ahead of the recall.
The Reform UK leader said: “Richard Tice and I visited Scunthorpe this week and have seen how desperate the situation is.
“China has no interest in keeping the steelworks open.
“Reform have been clear from the start that the only option we have to save this vital strategic asset – and thousands of jobs in the process – is to nationalise British Steel.
“We are calling on the Government to do the right thing tomorrow and bring it back into public ownership.”
He also called on the Government to retain and refurbish two blast furnaces, implement a long-term business plan, and acquire Liberty Steel Rotherham for its two electric arc furnaces.
On Wednesday, sources said the government had offered to buy the coking coal that is essential to keep the blast furnaces going.
Jingye, the Chinese owner of the business, plans to close the blast furnaces and switch to a greener form of production.
A meeting between government officials and Jingye was held virtually on Thursday.
Sir Ed Davey called for “a serious plan for the sustainable future of domestic steel production”.
The Liberal Democrat leader said: “With Putin’s barbaric war in Europe and Donald Trump’s disastrous tariffs causing economic turmoil, the future of steel production in this country is of real importance and nothing should be off the table in this matter of national security.
“Tomorrow must be seen as an opportunity to come forward with a serious plan for the sustainable future of domestic steel production. The public rightly deserves better than political opportunism and grandstanding.
“I hope across all sides of the House that this message is understood and embraced. We Liberal Democrats stand ready to help constructively bring about an outcome that delivers real change. All politicians would do well to remember the country is watching.”
The government has been under mounting pressure to nationalise British Steel, which employs 2,700 people, if crunch talks aimed at a rescue deal failed.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said “all options are on the table”.
He said demand for steel was “likely to go up, not down, which is why it’s very important to do everything we can”.
It is the first time the Commons has been recalled since August 18, 2021 when MPs returned to Parliament to debate the situation in Afghanistan.
The Saturday sitting will see MPs debate “legislative proposals to ensure the continued operation of British Steel blast furnaces is safeguarded”, according to the office of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
In a letter to MPs, Sir Lindsay said he was satisfied the “public interest” requires the recall.
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