The UK government has announced the creation of a new Steel Council, comprised of sector leaders, industry experts, trade unions, trade associations and devolved governments, to help safeguard the future of the industry.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will chair the first meeting of the new council later today with co-chair Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute.
The council will advise on rebuilding the steel industry and developing its upcoming Steel Strategy ahead of its spring launch, which will provide a vital link between industry, workers, experts and government in every part of the UK, ensuring that both the workforce and economic growth are at the heart of its plans to rebuild the sector.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term. With the launch of the Steel Council we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward up to £2.5bn of investment to secure growth right across the country.
“Steel was a neglected industry in this country under the previous government, but with the launch of this council and our upcoming strategy, we’re proving once again that we are the government that’s committed to driving growth and innovation in the sector.
“A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and our national security, and by reflecting views from industry across the UK as we bring forward our Steel Strategy we’re delivering on the Plan for Change and boosting economic stability.”
Commenting on the announcement, Julia Pyke, joint-managing director at Sizewell C, said: “Sizewell C welcomes the Government’s new steel strategy and the creation of the Steel Council, which will provide a vital boost to British industry.
“We are a proud signatory of the UK Steel Charter and remain committed to maximising UK steel throughout our construction plans, including a £700 million steel pipeline over the next decade. Supporting strategic industries like British steel is vital for protecting jobs, strengthening communities, and ensuring the resilience of the UK economy.
“The launch of the Steel Council marks an important step in safeguarding the future of British manufacturing and the UK supply chain for major national infrastructure projects.”
Full list of Steel Council members:
- Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)
- Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)
- Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation
- British Steel
- Tata Steel
- Liberty Steel
- Marcegaglia UK
- Sheffield Forgemasters
- Celsa Steel
- UK Steel
- British Metals Recycling Association
- Materials Processing Institute
- Warwick Manufacturing Group
- Community Trade Union
- GMB Trade Union
- Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Scottish Government
- Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
- Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive
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