News: Rotherham reacts to Government's plan to nationalise steel firm
The Government's plan to work towards the public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) has been welcomed in South Yorkshire.
Chancellor of the Exchequer and Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP, John Healey, said: "UK steel is vital for our economy and security. We produce some of the best steel in the world in South Yorkshire and it supports thousands of good jobs. Since the 2013 national steel summit in Rotherham, as a local MP, I’ve worked with steel company directors, trade union leaders and MPs of all parties to level the playing field for UK still firms.
"The company’s sites support over 1,300 jobs in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Brinsworth and Wednesbury and have a proud steelmaking history, including the use of electric arc furnace technology. The sites could play a vital in role supporting the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, having produced specialist steel for sectors, including aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing.
"The Government’s work towards the public acquisition of SSUK will include considering a sustainable long-term future for SSUK as a speciality steelmaker, as well as opportunities for regeneration.
"The Government is delivering the UK’s first ever Steel Strategy, setting out a long-term plan to rebuild the sector, attract investment and position the UK as a world leader in clean, modern steel production.
"This includes taking bold action across the business environment: tackling electricity prices and carbon leakage, increasing the use of UK-made steel in government-supported offshore wind projects, and making it easier for firms to invest and grow in future-facing, decarbonised technologies.
"The Government is backing the transformation of the sector with up to £2.5 billion of support, alongside reforms to improve competitiveness, drive demand for UK-made steel and support decarbonisation."
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Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "It is of course deeply disappointing that Speciality Steel UK remains in administration. I thank the Government for seeing the potential in this key industry. However, Rotherham steel workers deserve clarity about what the future holds and are, I know, keen to return to work as soon as possible.’
"The cycle of failed ownership has held Specialty Steel back for far too long. I’m relieved the Secretary of State recognises this is a business with huge potential as a world leader in specialist steel products, with a strong track record and a skilled, experienced workforce.
"I welcome the Government’s announcement that it will work with the Official Receiver, myself, local leaders and the South Yorkshire Mayor towards public acquisition, while assessing all options for the company’s future.
"Whatever ownership model is ultimately decided, Speciality Steel needs leadership with the vision and commitment necessary to enable the business to fulfil its potential.
“The Labour Government has demonstrated its commitment to the UK steel industry since its very first days in office. From its resolute action to safeguard raw steel production in Scunthorpe, to its landmark Steel Strategy, which sets out unprecedented backing for the industry, Labour has shown time and time again that it is on the side of British steel businesses.
"I am proud to see that same commitment and focus given to safeguarding Speciality Steels UK, to protecting jobs in Rotherham and to continuing our long history of steel manufacture into a prosperous, successful future."
"I will be following discussions closely and will always speak up for Rotherham steel workers."
Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The Government’s intention to intervene, developing a plan to bring South Yorkshire’s steel sites into public ownership reflects the seriousness with which the government is taking the task of ensuring Rotherham steel production has a bright future.
“Workers in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire have shown remarkable resilience through a prolonged period of uncertainty. They deserve a sustainable plan that gives them confidence in the future, protects our industrial heritage and preserves the sovereign capabilities that are so important to the UK economy. That is the case that our South Yorkshire team, including Mayor Oliver Coppard and our colleagues in Sheffield, have been making to government over many months. 200 years of steel production in Parkgate will not come to an end.
“We have long argued that the capabilities, skills and infrastructure contained within these sites are of national importance. At a time of growing uncertainty around global supply chains and economic security, maintaining the UK’s ability to produce high-quality specialist steel is more important than ever.
“We will continue to work with Government, industry and local partners to secure the best possible long-term outcome for our communities and our steel industry.”
Images: SSUK
Chancellor of the Exchequer and Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP, John Healey, said: "UK steel is vital for our economy and security. We produce some of the best steel in the world in South Yorkshire and it supports thousands of good jobs. Since the 2013 national steel summit in Rotherham, as a local MP, I’ve worked with steel company directors, trade union leaders and MPs of all parties to level the playing field for UK still firms.
"The company’s sites support over 1,300 jobs in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Brinsworth and Wednesbury and have a proud steelmaking history, including the use of electric arc furnace technology. The sites could play a vital in role supporting the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, having produced specialist steel for sectors, including aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing.
"The Government’s work towards the public acquisition of SSUK will include considering a sustainable long-term future for SSUK as a speciality steelmaker, as well as opportunities for regeneration.
"The Government is delivering the UK’s first ever Steel Strategy, setting out a long-term plan to rebuild the sector, attract investment and position the UK as a world leader in clean, modern steel production.
"This includes taking bold action across the business environment: tackling electricity prices and carbon leakage, increasing the use of UK-made steel in government-supported offshore wind projects, and making it easier for firms to invest and grow in future-facing, decarbonised technologies.
"The Government is backing the transformation of the sector with up to £2.5 billion of support, alongside reforms to improve competitiveness, drive demand for UK-made steel and support decarbonisation."
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Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "It is of course deeply disappointing that Speciality Steel UK remains in administration. I thank the Government for seeing the potential in this key industry. However, Rotherham steel workers deserve clarity about what the future holds and are, I know, keen to return to work as soon as possible.’
"The cycle of failed ownership has held Specialty Steel back for far too long. I’m relieved the Secretary of State recognises this is a business with huge potential as a world leader in specialist steel products, with a strong track record and a skilled, experienced workforce.
"I welcome the Government’s announcement that it will work with the Official Receiver, myself, local leaders and the South Yorkshire Mayor towards public acquisition, while assessing all options for the company’s future.
"Whatever ownership model is ultimately decided, Speciality Steel needs leadership with the vision and commitment necessary to enable the business to fulfil its potential.
“The Labour Government has demonstrated its commitment to the UK steel industry since its very first days in office. From its resolute action to safeguard raw steel production in Scunthorpe, to its landmark Steel Strategy, which sets out unprecedented backing for the industry, Labour has shown time and time again that it is on the side of British steel businesses.
"I am proud to see that same commitment and focus given to safeguarding Speciality Steels UK, to protecting jobs in Rotherham and to continuing our long history of steel manufacture into a prosperous, successful future."
"I will be following discussions closely and will always speak up for Rotherham steel workers."
Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The Government’s intention to intervene, developing a plan to bring South Yorkshire’s steel sites into public ownership reflects the seriousness with which the government is taking the task of ensuring Rotherham steel production has a bright future.
“Workers in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire have shown remarkable resilience through a prolonged period of uncertainty. They deserve a sustainable plan that gives them confidence in the future, protects our industrial heritage and preserves the sovereign capabilities that are so important to the UK economy. That is the case that our South Yorkshire team, including Mayor Oliver Coppard and our colleagues in Sheffield, have been making to government over many months. 200 years of steel production in Parkgate will not come to an end.
“We have long argued that the capabilities, skills and infrastructure contained within these sites are of national importance. At a time of growing uncertainty around global supply chains and economic security, maintaining the UK’s ability to produce high-quality specialist steel is more important than ever.
“We will continue to work with Government, industry and local partners to secure the best possible long-term outcome for our communities and our steel industry.”
Images: SSUK
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