A new Steel Council which will advise on rebuilding the industry with up to £2.5 billion funding is set to meet for the first time.
The Council will be led by the UK Government’s Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Chair of the Materials Processing Institute Jon Bolton, and brings together industry figures, experts, trade unions and devolved governments.
Among the Council’s members are representatives of steel businesses with operations in Wales including Tata Steel, Celsa Steel and Liberty Steel, as well as Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.
The UK Government says the Council’s aim is “to secure the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK”, adding that a secure future for the steel industry is “vital to both the UK’s national security and delivering growth”.
The Council, which will advise on the upcoming Steel Strategy, was due to meet for the first time on January 7. It will meet regularly as the UK Government prepares to launch its Strategy in the spring.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:
“This Government is acting decisively to support and develop the steel industry in Wales and across the UK.
“In the future we will need more steel, not less, as we work to deliver sustained economic growth. I want as much of that steel as possible to be made in Wales.
“We have shown with our £80 million investment in Port Talbot that we will back our steel communities and the launch of our Steel Strategy is the next step in securing the long-term future of the industry.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this Government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term. With the launch of the Steel Council we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward £2.5 billion investment to secure growth right across the country.
“A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and our national security, and by reflecting views from industry across the UK as we bring forward our Steel Strategy we’re delivering on the Plan for Change and boosting economic stability.”
Gareth Stace, Director-General, UK Steel, said:
“The establishment of the Steel Council marks a defining moment for the future of steelmaking in Britain. The Council represents a crucial step towards creating a comprehensive Government Steel Strategy – one that lays the foundations for a sustainable and resilient industry.
“This strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster a competitive business environment that encourages long-term investment and ensures steelmaking remains at the heart of the UK economy.
“We are committed to collaborating with the Government, trade unions, and industry partners to turn this vision into a shared success, securing the sustained growth that our sector, its workforce, and our communities rightfully deserve.”
Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute, said:
“I am honoured to be asked to co-chair the Steel Council. I have worked in the steel industry globally for over 40 years, and it’s clear this sector has faced many challenges.
“However, I believe the UK has all the essential elements to attract investment into the steel industry: demand, skills, technology, unrivalled research and development and, critically, a supportive government having announced up to £2.5 billion of support through the National Wealth Fund.
“I see the Council’s task being to develop a strategy that details the core elements of that investment plan and to establish a roadmap towards a rejuvenated, competitive and environmentally progressive industry.”
Full list of the Steel Council’s membership:
- Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)
- Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)
- Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation
- British Steel
- Tata Steel
- Liberty Steel
- Marcegaglia UK
- Sheffield Forgemasters
- Celsa Steel
- UK Steel
- British Metals Recycling Association
- Materials Processing Institute
- Warwick Manufacturing Group
- Community Trade Union
- GMB Trade Union
- Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Scottish Government
- Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
- Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive
