Parliament Recalled as British Steel Future Hangs in Balance
In an unexpected yet urgent move, Parliament is being recalled on Saturday, 12 April 2025 to deliberate on the fate of British Steel, with growing public concern over the fate of Scunthorpe Steelworks, its workers, and the wider implications for UK industrial sovereignty. This follows months of speculation about the viability of the plant under private ownership amid volatile market conditions and strategic insecurity.
As the government prepares to address the issue, the Green Party has stepped forward with a strong, unequivocal stance. Ellie Chowns, Green MP and a vocal advocate of public sector reform, declared:
“The Green Party will be backing nationalisation of British Steel, which is now clearly the only sure way to secure this strategically important sector so vital to national security and British jobs.”
Green Policy Roots: Public Ownership & Environmental Reform
Public ownership of core infrastructure sectors, such as water, transport, and energy, has long been a cornerstone of the Green Party's philosophy. British Steel, which is deeply enmeshed in both national security and environmental implications, fits neatly into that framework.
“Public ownership of key sectors such as water and transport has always been Green Party policy,” said Chowns, “and where it is in the public interest to have public ownership of a key strategic industry, which appears to be the case with Scunthorpe Steelworks, Greens are in full support.”
With steel crucial for national defence, infrastructure, and renewable energy supply chains, the Greens are arguing not from nostalgia, but necessity. In their view, continued private management, particularly by foreign stakeholders, threatens long-term sustainability.
Electric Arcs & the Green Steel Revolution
The environmental case is also strong. Scunthorpe Steelworks currently relies on blast furnaces, a carbon-intensive technology contributing heavily to the UK’s industrial emissions. The Greens are pushing for a shift to electric arc furnaces, which use recycled steel and emit significantly fewer pollutants.
Chowns emphasized this shift, stating:
“Taking British Steel into public ownership provides the opportunity to help drive the green industrial revolution, supporting Scunthorpe Steelworks to make the transition from blast furnaces to electric arcs, which are cheaper and far better for the environment to run.”
This transition, the Greens argue, will enable the UK to produce green steel, the foundation for building eco-conscious infrastructure like wind turbines, high-speed trains, and sustainable housing.
Securing Jobs & Communities from Foreign Whims
The Greens are also sounding the alarm on the risks of leaving such a critical industry in the hands of multinational corporations or vulnerable to international political instability. Referencing past takeovers and threats of closure under private management, Chowns stated:
“We must not leave the future of steel communities to the whims of multinational companies or unhinged American presidents.”
British steel towns such as Scunthorpe have suffered from decades of disinvestment and job insecurity. According to the Greens, nationalisation offers a pathway to economic dignity and renewal for these forgotten regions.
“These communities deserve better and green steel in public ownership is the way to ensure these communities not only survive but thrive into the future.”
Green Steel as a Foundation for a Modern Economy
The Green Party envisions green steel as a cornerstone of the UK’s climate-forward economy. With the global shift toward net-zero industries, the production of low-emission steel is no longer optional. By bringing British Steel under public ownership, the UK can become a world leader in green industrial practices.
“Supporting decarbonisation of steel will further enable the UK to produce the green steel necessary to transition to a green economy,” Chowns added.
The plan includes substantial public investment to modernise plants, upskill workers, and integrate steel into the UK’s larger climate goals, all under democratic oversight, rather than shareholder interests.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Parliament recalled on 12 April 2025 to debate future of British Steel.
• Green Party MP Ellie Chowns leads call for full nationalisation of the company.
• Greens stress steel’s importance to national security & industrial strategy.
• Party proposes switch from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, cheaper & greener.
• Electric arc furnaces would enable green steel production vital for wind turbines, trains & infrastructure.
• Nationalisation aligns with long-held Green policies on public ownership of critical sectors.
• Green steel viewed as key driver for the UK's decarbonised economy.
• Public control seen as defence against volatility from multinational or foreign owners.
• Nationalisation supports long-term employment, community revival & sustainable growth.
• Steel communities like Scunthorpe seen as vital to UK’s green industrial transformation.
