Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact on national security of the level of steelmaking capacity in the UK between the (a) closure of blast furnaces and (b) establishment of electric arc furnaces; and what steps he is taking to ensure (i) the security of steel supply for critical infrastructure and (ii) value for money in the purchase of steel for such projects in that transitional period.

The Government recognises the important position our steel companies play in the supply chains for a number of key industries. This is why we are developing a steel strategy. With regards to the transition of Port Talbot, Tata will be importing steel slab and coil for a temporary period whilst the new electric arc furnace (EAF) is being built. We continue to prioritise engagement with British Steel.

Neither Tata Steel nor British Steel are currently critical suppliers into UK defence programmes. High quality steel, including for the Royal Navy’s new Dreadnaught class submarines, is already being made by EAF steel producers.