Industry leaders and trade unions convened for a meeting of the revamped Steel Council at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site today, where Minister for Reindustrialisation Blair McDougall set out the ambition for steelmaking to thrive in Britain.
Two months after the Government took decisive action to bring British Steel into public ownership and secure UK steelmaking capability, Minister McDougall visited the company’s blast furnaces and rod mill. He met with colleagues, our leadership team, and union representatives before chairing a meeting of the Steel Council.
The meeting focused on delivery of the Steel Strategy and the next steps needed to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience and long-term future of UK steelmaking.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister McDougall said: “I want steelmaking to thrive in Britain. Steel is fundamental to our industrial future, supporting thousands of skilled jobs and supplying the materials we need to grow the industries that will drive our economy in the years ahead.
“Through our Steel Strategy, we’re backing the sector with the support it needs to succeed. Today’s Steel Council was about bringing together industry, workers and government to focus on delivering that plan and securing a strong future for UK steelmaking.”