Recalling Parliament right move for steel sector security
11 April 2025
The Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, has recalled Parliament to convene on Saturday regarding the security of UK steelmaking, in the wake of British Steel’s decision to consult on the closure of iron and steelmaking, and the potential closure of its rod mill, in Scunthorpe.
UK Steel Director-General, Gareth Stace, said:
“Recalling Parliament is the right decision to ensure that British Steel, the wider steel sector and the thousands of steel workers and their families are given the certainty they deserve in trying times.
“It is welcome news that Government recognises the seriousness of the UK’s steel industry circumstances and the essential contribution our sector makes to the national economy and security, as well as the communities that rely on it.
“We look forward to further detail from Government on its commitment towards a secure and stable steel sector.”
Contact details
Louise Young, Campaigns and Engagement Manager, UK Steel
07388 370176 | Lyoung@makeuk.org
Notes to editors
UK Steel will await the confirmation of further detail from Government before commenting further.
UK Steel is the trade association representing steelmakers in the UK. We proudly champion and celebrate the UK's impressive steel industry. We provide a voice for steel producers of all sizes across every corner of the UK. The UK steel sector:
- Produces 5.6Mt of crude steel a year, equivalent to 70% of the UK’s annual requirement (annual demand of 7.6Mt in 2023, of which 40% was met by domestically produced steel)
- Employs 33,700 people directly in the UK and supports a further 42,000 in supply chains
- The median steel sector salary is £37,315, 26% higher than the UK national median and 35% higher than the regional median in Wales, Yorkshire, and Humberside, where its jobs are concentrated
- Directly contributes £1.8 billion to UK GVA and supports a further £2.4 billion
- Directly contributes £3.4 billion to the UK’s balance of trade 96% of steel used in construction and infrastructure in the UK is recovered and recycled to be used again and again.
For further information about the steel industry, please see the UK Steel Seven Opportunities for Steel report, 2024 press pack, Why the UK needs a strong steel sector or the 2024 UK Steel Key Statistics report.