Community and British Steel have today launched the ‘Save Steel Buy British’ campaign, calling on UK industry to sign a pledge backing the nation’s steel sector.
With the industry facing unprecedented challenges, the pledge seeks to galvanise support for UK-made steel and reinforce the long-term resilience of the sector, its workforce, and the infrastructure it sustains.
The campaign highlights how British-made steel plays a critical role in national life – from powering energy and transport networks to strengthening defence capabilities. With major projects such as Hinkley Point C and the Alexander Stadium built with British steel, the importance of a reliable domestic supply is clear.
Over the past year, Government has intervened to save our steel industry – now Community and British Steel are calling for industry to step up by committing to use UK-made steel in vital national projects, helping sustain an industry that contributes £1.7bn to the UK economy, and a further £2.2bn through supply chains.
Every tonne of British-made steel drives growth, supports skilled jobs, and strengthens supply chains in our local communities. UK producers provide world-class quality, dependable service and rapid delivery, with steel reaching sites in as little as three days. A weakened steel industry would undermine both the economy and national security.
Alasdair McDiarmid, Community Assistant General Secretary said: “Steel is a vital strategic industry which powers local economies and underpins the UK's national security. You can't build a greener, fairer economy without a resilient steel industry and the thousands of skilled jobs it supports in communities across the country.
"With a range of major national infrastructure projects on the horizon over the years ahead, it is absolutely imperative that we seize opportunities to maximise the procurement of British-made steel. Now is the time for government and businesses across the country to give our steel industry the vote of confidence it needs and deserves - they can do this by buying British."
Allan Bell, interim Chief Executive of British Steel said: “Making steel is in our DNA, and British Steel has been at the heart of our communities for generations. From the railways to our schools and hospitals, we have built the backbone of the economy.
“By backing UK-made steel, businesses are helping safeguard jobs, skills and local communities, while securing the capacity to deliver for Britain’s future. This campaign is about ensuring our industry thrives and continues to provide the strength and security the country relies on.”
Saving steel means backing skilled jobs, strong communities and secure supply chains. With the right support, the UK steel industry can deliver a future where sustainability and social value go hand in hand.