MPs' emergency vote bid to save steelworks

AN emergency vote will be held in Parliament today in a last-ditch effort to rescue British Steel following Donald Trump's tariffs hammer blow.

- Martyn Brown and Steph Spyro

MPs and peers are expected to rush through legislation as Sir Keir Starmer warned the future of the vital industry hangs in the balance with Britain's economic and national security on the line.

They will decide on a law giving the Government powers to bring steelmaking under its control with taxpayers footing the bill. It could pave the way for British Steel to be fully nationalised to save it from collapse.

All steel and aluminium imports to the US have been hit with a 25% levy in another blow to the already struggling UK industry.

British Steel owner Jingye has refused to foot the bill for coal imports for steelmaking after announcing plans to shut operations at the last-remaining plant in Scunthorpe.

The Chinese firm said it has invested more than £1.2billion into the industry and suffered losses of around £700,000 a day.

The move risks 2,700 jobs and would make Britain the only G7 country unable to manufacture its own steel.

Livelihoods

Sir Keir said: “As Prime Minister, I will always act in the national interest to protect British jobs and British workers. The future of British Steel hangs in the balance. Jobs, investment, growth, our economic and national security are all on the line.”

No10 confirmed Parliament will be recalled to debate the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill. A spokesman said: “The Bill provides the Government with the power to direct steel companies in England, which we will use to protect the Scunthorpe site.

“It enables the Government to preserve capability and ensure public safety. It also ensures all options remain viable for the future of the plant and the livelihoods it supports. We have been negotiating with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We have always been clear there is a bright future for steel in the UK. All options remain on the table.”