This emergency intervention to secure the continued operation of British Steel is welcome news for the community, the economy, and the country. The action in recalling Parliament and passing legislation to maintain the site and protect jobs sends a clear message: steelmaking in Lincolnshire matters, and it must not be lost. Particularly good that there was cross party support for this too.
However, we cannot continue to rely on sticking plaster solutions for a site of such strategic importance. What Scunthorpe needs is a long-term plan — one that ensures not only the sustainability of steelmaking, but also the growth, diversification, and futureproofing of the site.
As Mayor, I will deliver that plan. Over the last few years, I have worked with industry leaders, government departments, and global investors to develop a blueprint for a new future at British Steel. It’s a plan that can be implemented immediately. It will secure steelmaking, expand the use of underutilised land at the site, bring in advanced manufacturing, logistics and technology businesses and create thousands of skilled, high-wage jobs across the region.
I called for the government to take this action and I praise them for doing so as an important first step. Now we must move forward with ambition and purpose. As Mayor, I’ll ensure Scunthorpe and other towns and villages across our great county don’t just survive, they will thrive.
