Leaders slam Chinese steel deal for Teesworks

A GOVERNMENT minister has called for urgent talks after it emerged that Chinese steel will be used for a major construction project on the site of the former Teesside steelworks.

- COREENA FORD Business writer [e-mail]

An aerial shot of part of the giant Teesworks site

Political leaders, unions and industry groups have hit out after it emerged that steel for the Net Zero Teesside on the Teesworks site will be imported from a manufacturer in China. A deal for construction steel is said to have been struck between Net Zero Teesside (NZT) and Suzhou-based Modern Modular Engineering and Construction Company. NZT is backed by energy giants BP, Total and Equinor, and receives Government funding.

NZT is backed by BP, energy giant Total and Equinor, and also receives Government funding.

Jonathan Clemens, chief executive officer of the British Constructional Steelwork Association, said the UK steel and steelwork sectors are available, capable and ready to deliver this project.