UK Government Takes Major Step to Secure Steel Industry’s Future with New Steel Council
On January 7th, 2025, the UK Government launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at securing the long-term future of the UK’s steel industry. The new Steel Council will bring together key leaders from the steel sector, trade unions, industry experts, and government representatives to create a comprehensive strategy for rebuilding the steel industry. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to revitalizing the steel sector and driving long-term growth for steelmaking communities across the UK.
The Role of the Steel Council: Guiding the Future of UK Steelmaking
The Steel Council will play a pivotal role in shaping the upcoming Steel Strategy. The strategy will outline steps to address the challenges faced by the UK’s steel sector and provide a roadmap to secure its future. The Council will meet regularly to guide the government in developing policies and actions that ensure both economic growth and workforce development in steelmaking communities.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will chair the first meeting of the Steel Council, alongside Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute. The Council’s role will be crucial in advising on how to ensure long-term growth and competitiveness in the steel sector, and it will provide a platform for all stakeholders to contribute their expertise.
Investment and Innovation: Key to Rebuilding the Steel Industry
A central focus of the Steel Council’s work will be fostering innovation and driving investment into the steel sector. The government has announced up to £2.5 billion of investment to help revitalize steelmaking operations and attract new investments into the sector. With the right investments, the UK aims to position itself as a global leader in steel production while also meeting environmental sustainability goals.
Jon Bolton, who has worked in the steel industry globally for over 40 years, emphasized the UK’s potential to attract investment due to its strong demand for steel, advanced technology, skilled workforce, and a supportive government. He believes that the Steel Council will play an important role in identifying strategic investments and ensuring that the UK steel sector becomes more competitive and environmentally progressive.
National Security and Economic Growth: Why Steel Matters to the UK
Steel is a foundational industry for the UK, supporting both national security and economic growth. As Jonathan Reynolds noted, a vibrant steel industry is essential for infrastructure, defense, and various other critical sectors. By ensuring that the UK has a sustainable and resilient steel sector, the government aims to reduce reliance on imports, boost local production, and create high-quality jobs.
The government’s Steel Strategy will focus on increasing steel production, enhancing skills within the workforce, and driving innovation to make the industry more sustainable. This will not only help the steel sector remain competitive in the global market but also contribute to the UK’s overall economic stability.
Rebuilding Steel Communities: Jobs, Skills, and Local Growth
The Steel Council's work will directly benefit steel communities, with a focus on job creation, skills development, and local economic growth. Steelmaking regions in the UK, such as Teesside and South Wales, rely heavily on the steel industry for employment and economic stability. The government's strategy will ensure that these communities continue to thrive by investing in new technologies, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing local skills programs.
Trade unions, such as GMB and Community Trade Union, are integral to the Steel Council. Their participation ensures that the needs and interests of workers are addressed in the government’s plans to revitalize the industry. These efforts will help ensure that steel communities continue to benefit from a strong and secure steel industry.
The Steel Council’s Membership: A Diverse Group of Experts and Stakeholders
The Steel Council consists of a wide range of stakeholders from various sectors, ensuring that all aspects of the steel industry are represented. Members include leaders from major steel companies, trade associations, research institutes, and government representatives from the devolved nations. Below is the full list of the members:
1. Jonathan Reynolds - Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)
2. Jon Bolton - Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)
3. Sarah Jones - Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation
4. British Steel
5. Tata Steel
6. Liberty Steel
7. Marcegaglia UK
8. Sheffield Forgemasters
9. Celsa Steel
10. UK Steel
11. British Metals Recycling Association
12. Materials Processing Institute
13. Warwick Manufacturing Group
14. Community Trade Union
15. GMB Trade Union
16. Kate Forbes - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Scottish Government
17. Rebecca Evans - Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
18. Conor Murphy - Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive
This wide-ranging membership reflects the government’s commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive approach, ensuring that all voices, including those of workers and regional governments, are included in shaping the future of UK steelmaking.
A Shared Vision for the Future: Collaboration for Long-Term Success
The launch of the Steel Council marks a defining moment in the UK’s efforts to secure the long-term future of its steel industry. By bringing together key stakeholders, the government is fostering a collaborative environment where all parties can contribute to the development of a Steel Strategy that supports growth, innovation, and sustainability. With up to £2.5 billion of investment in the pipeline and a commitment to creating a competitive and resilient steel sector, the government’s approach ensures that steelmaking remains a cornerstone of the UK economy, providing jobs, supporting local communities, and securing national security for the future.
