Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill

Debate between Edward Leigh and Iain Duncan Smith

2nd reading
Saturday 12th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Edward Leigh]

Of course I am, because I just said that. I have just admitted that it was a mistake, but I ask everybody what they were saying at the time. Of course, there is silence. It is easy to be wise after the event, but I am worried about my steelworkers—I am worried about their future.

[Sir Iain Duncan Smith]

rose—

[Sir Edward Leigh]

I give way to our former leader.

[Sir Iain Duncan Smith]

I want to make sure that my right hon. Friend puts the record straight: some of us on the Opposition Benches warned the then Government that it was wrong.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

There we are: some of us apparently warned the Government. I do not know how many.

We now know the true nature of our Chinese friends. We support the Bill. Let us make our steel industry really competitive again and let us make Great Britain great again.