High Peak MP backs Government plan to save British Steel

On Saturday April 12, both Houses of Parliament were recalled, passing the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act. Jon Pearce, MP for High Peak, attended to support the Government with its plans to save British Steel.

The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act grants the Government emergency powers to direct steel companies. These powers would then be used to take the necessary actions needed to secure the immediate future of British Steel in Scunthorpe, by maintaining the operation of the blast furnaces.

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP, said “We will always do what is necessary to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We are doing what previous governments have failed to, acting in the national interest to help secure UK steelmaking for the future.

“We negotiated with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We made a generous offer of support to the company and I am deeply disappointed that we have been forced to take these measures, but Jingye have not been forthright throughout this process and left us no choice but to act.

“We’re in a new and changing world where it’s never been more important to support our security and build our resilience, so that we can have strength abroad and renewal at home, and that’s what this Government has done.”

High Peak MP, Jon Pearce MP, said “I first heard the breaking news that Parliament was being recalled during my first High Peak Careers, Skills & Jobs Fair. I was honoured to get down to Parliament to show my support to the Government’s plans to save British Steel.”

“There is a bright future for steel in the UK, but we must deal with the immediate uncertainty that the Scunthorpe plant faces. That’s why I was glad that the Government brought this legislation forward so we can keep British Steel going and save thousands of jobs.”

“Domestic steel production is vital to our economy, suppling nationally important projects like airports, rail and housing. These are essential to the Government’s plans to deliver economic growth. British Steel is not only vital for our economic security but for our national security, going into the tanks, warships and fighter jets that keep us safe at home and abroad.”

“Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson should never have let a Chinese company take control of such a strategically important industry for Britain. I’m pleased that the Government have said they will learn the lessons from this and never let it happen again.”