The Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns, today signed the UK Steel Charter at British Steel in Scunthorpe, demonstrating a clear commitment to supporting the use of UK-made steel in public projects across the region.
The signing marks a significant step by the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) to back domestic steel producers and strengthen UK supply chains, ensuring that publicly funded infrastructure projects maximise the use of British steel wherever possible.
The UK Steel Charter is a sector-led initiative that encourages organisations to adopt best practice in procurement, improving visibility and access for UK steel producers to compete for major projects.
Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns, said: “Signing the UK Steel Charter at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site is a clear statement of intent. It is about backing British Steel, standing up for skilled local jobs, and recognising the pride and capability of an industry that remains central to Lincolnshire and the UK.
“I am clear that public investment should work in the national interest. By committing to use UK-made steel wherever possible, we are backing British manufacturers, strengthening domestic supply chains, and making sure communities like ours see real benefits.”
Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, said: “Today’s commitment from Mayor Jenkyns sends a powerful signal that backing British made steel means backing British jobs, growth and resilience. Public procurement is one of the strongest levers we have to support our industry, and by signing the UK Steel Charter, Greater Lincolnshire is showing real leadership in putting UK steel at the heart of its infrastructure plans.
“At a time of intense global competition and rising trade pressures, it is more important than ever that we make full use of the high-quality steel produced here in the UK. This is about securing our industrial future, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring that communities like those in Lincolnshire continue to benefit from a thriving steel sector.”
In addition to signing the Steel Charter, Mayor Jenkyns also endorsed the Save Steel Buy British campaign – a joint initiative by British Steel and the Community trade union calling on UK industry to back British steelmakers and use home-made steel.
British Steel Chief Executive, Allan Bell said: “Steelmaking is in the DNA of towns across Britain. From Port Talbot to Scunthorpe, South Teesside to Corby, generations of steelworkers and their families have kept the industry alive. Supporting British steel means preserving and developing these skills for the future – skills we will need to deliver tomorrow’s infrastructure and to power the future economy.
“We are delighted Mayor Jenkyns has signed the UK Steel Charter and is supporting our ‘Buy British’ campaign. With the ongoing support of the UK Government, and backing from organisations like the GLCCA, we can save steelmaking – a capability the UK cannot afford to lose.”
The signing took place at British Steel’s Scunthorpe Site, underlining the importance of the sector to the regional economy and the vital role it plays in delivering jobs, investment and industrial capability.
By signing the Charter, the GLCCA joins a growing number of public bodies and organisations committed to ensuring UK steel producers have the opportunity to compete fairly for contracts, supporting both regional industry and national resilience.