Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the closure of the Port Talbot steelworks on the UK’s ability to defend itself and to support the defence of its allies.

Tata Steel's plans to cease UK primary steel production at its Port Talbot steelworks are not anticipated to adversely impact defence. Specialist steels that are unavailable from UK sources are already sourced by our prime contractors from overseas suppliers. Other grades of steel are likely to remain available from UK sources or are widely available on world markets.

Ministers across Government, including the Minister for Defence Procurement, continue to work closely with our suppliers to ensure that we have the capability to procure the steel required for the UK's national security and defence programmes.