Steel Tariffs

Earl of Effingham Excerpts

Thursday 18th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, we have to recognise how important steel is to thousands of workers and families and the wider supply chain. Our objective is to secure a viable long-term future for steel-making in the United Kingdom. Maintaining domestic steel capability is essential for jobs, investment and economic resilience. Whatever we do, flexibility is needed to explore future options not only for British steel but for other sectors which use steel, while safeguarding an industry that remains strategically important for the nation.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, the British Chambers of Commerce has said that the changes

“could add millions of pounds to manufacturers’ costs”.

Why do the Government want to add more costs to UK industry, which is already reeling from the increased national insurance costs?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I do not know whether the noble Lord listened to the response that I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Fox. We have been engaging extensively with downstream importers. We have introduced transitional arrangements that I set out earlier for contracts made before 14 March and for any imports between 1 July and 30 September. We are listening to end users, and we will continue to listen to end users. As I said before, Ministers are consulting with users and, if needed, changes will be made.