UK Steel Strategy

Clive Betts Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Peter Kyle]

The right hon. Gentleman mentions Thatcher. I lost my father not so long ago, and have been going through his belongings. I found a letter that my father wrote to Mrs Thatcher when she was the Leader of Opposition in the ’70s. The reply, which came from a private secretary on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, was signed by one Edward Leigh. I understand his insight into that particular moment in our country’s history, and I am grateful to have this exchange with him over the Dispatch Box. I wish my father was here to see it.

On Scunthorpe and other steel communities, I hope that the right hon. Gentleman has the time to read the strategy. When he has done so, I will make time to sit with him and work through it. He will see that it contains the intent to create sustainable steel production. Our belief and intention is that we will have the domestic capability to produce all grades of steel needed by our economy, in an economically and financially sustainable way. Those are the things that workers in the steel sector, in Scunthorpe and right around the country, need the most.

[Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab)]

I welcome the strategy. Sheffield’s history is inextricably linked to steel, and we want our future to be linked to steel as well. My right hon. Friend mentioned the excellent work that Forgemasters is doing to provide steel for our nuclear reactors, our nuclear submarines and, hopefully, our civil nuclear program, through small modular reactors. The strategy mentions the procurement of British steel. Will the Secretary of State set out how the Government will ensure that public bodies do procure British steel rather than just saying that they will?

My hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Dr Tidball) has fought so hard for the future of Liberty in the past few months. What would the Secretary of State say to her about Stocksbridge steelworks? Will this deal ensure that the steelworks has a viable future and that jobs are retained for the whole of Sheffield?

[Peter Kyle]

I thank my hon. Friend for his tireless campaigning on these issues over many years. Forgemasters is, of course, important to our defence sector. His constituency also has the capacity to make stainless steel. He gives great voice to those two assets in his community. I hope that he sees much of his campaigning reflected in the strategy, which will give a sustainable long-term future to the industries that he represents and speaks for in the House.