Debates between Lord Johnson of Lainston and Baroness Blower during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Steel: Port Talbot

Debate between Lord Johnson of Lainston and Baroness Blower
Monday 15th April 2024

(7 months, 1 week ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord Johnson of Lainston Portrait Lord Johnson of Lainston (Con)
- Hansard - -

I am grateful to my noble friend for that comment. The possibility of advanced modular reactors or small modular reactors operating in conjunction with offshore wind was just mentioned. The key is to build a sustainable green steel industry. That is why the Government have put so much money and thought behind this extraordinary and very powerful revolutionary plan.

Baroness Blower Portrait Baroness Blower (Lab)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, demand for steel is expected to grow tenfold in the coming years. With proper investment, the UK could again be the steel-making capital of Europe. Will the Minister consider changing the procurement rules to ensure that UK public contracts use 100% UK steel, which by itself would create and maintain hundreds, possibly thousands, of jobs?

Lord Johnson of Lainston Portrait Lord Johnson of Lainston (Con)
- Hansard - -

I am always wary of insisting on local content when it comes to procurement. We want the best possible value and choice for our consumers, so I am not sure that is the answer. The point is to create a steel industry that produces steel that everyone in the world—not simply customers in the United Kingdom—wants to buy at the right price.