UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British Steel receives essential raw material shipments to keep the Scunthorpe plant running, securing thousands of jobs after government intervention.
As reported by The Independent, the UK government has confirmed the arrival of vital raw materials for British Steel, ensuring the continuation of steelmaking operations in Scunthorpe for the coming months.
British Steel received raw materials for the Scunthorpe plant
A shipment of over 55,000 tonnes of blast furnace coke arrived in the port of Immingham. The cargo came from Australia aboard the merchant vessel, Navios Alegria. It will be transferred by rail to Scunthorpe.
Next week, more than 66,000 tonnes of iron ore pellets and 27,000 tonnes of iron ore fines will be arriving from Sweden.
The government took prompt action to take control of British Steel and maintain operations at the Scunthorpe plant after concerns were raised over taking control by a Chinese owner.
Following a hectic Easter break securing essential coal and iron supplies, British Steel confirmed that both Scunthorpe blast furnaces will remain operational.
It announced that the planned “salamander tap” to drain and shut down one of its furnaces will be cancelled, ensuring continued operations at Scunthorpe.
Jonathan Reynolds’ stance on securing jobs and the future of British Steel
Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary, confirmed the arrival of the latest shipment would allow British Steel workers and their families to “breathe a sigh of relief.” He stressed that the government’s commitment is dedicated to backing British workers and British industry.
He said,
“The action we’ve taken to secure primary steelmaking at Scunthorpe will not only support our national security but help our steel sector supply the construction of the homes and infrastructure of the future, as part of our Plan for Change.”
Mr Reynolds, who led the government’s intervention, stated,
“By securing the raw materials necessary to keep Scunthorpe operational in the long term, we’ve safeguarded thousands of vital steel jobs.”
Alasdair McDiarmid’s views on the shipments for Scunthorpe plant
Alasdair McDiarmid, Assistant General Secretary of the Community Union, welcomed the arrival of the shipments, stating they offer “much-needed assurance” to steelworkers in Scunthorpe.
He said,
“We are grateful to British Steel and the Government for the decisive work they have undertaken to secure a future for the business – we have seen their commitment and dedication first-hand.”
Mr McDiarmid added,
“After years of neglect, we now have a UK government which understands the vital strategic importance of steel, and is backing this up with action.”
What did Sarah Jones say about the government’s action to protect steelworkers?
Sarah Jones, industry minister, stated,
“The action this government took on 12 April, and the measures we’ve taken since, matter greatly for this country and are of huge importance to thousands of steelworkers and their families. We will always stand up for our steel industry.
She added,
“Now, thanks to our decisive action to protect steelmaking at Scunthorpe, British Steel has cancelled the redundancy consultations started by its owners Jingye, bringing certainty for thousands of hard-working staff for the long term.”
What did the Unite union say about British Steel’s decision to avoid job losses?
The Unite union stated,
“Unite are pleased that British Steel has come to their senses and realised that job losses are not the way to ensure Britain remains an industrial power.”
It added,
“This should be just the first step to begin the process of nationalisation. The government now needs to implement a wholesale overhaul of its energy policy with a commitment to invest in renewables to lower energy prices for heavy industry like steel production.”
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