Steel campaigners demand action on £2bn industry after latest government talks

To exclude, to expel:

The Steel Council’s first meeting in five months comes as industry bosses and union leaders call on Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng to help the industry reduce energy costs and cut emissions.

Steel industry leaders have put pressure on the Tories to boost the industry by cutting sky-high electricity costs.

Industry bosses and unions have held intense talks with Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng aimed at boosting the £2.1 billion industry, which directly employs 33,700 workers and supports support another 42,000 positions in the supply chain.

The negotiations come as the Steel Council holds its first meeting in five months.

Mirror understands that steel bosses have been bolstered by commitments on energy costs, better links between the Department of Business and Treasury, and Government support for “greening” the industry. this.

Get your daily morning political briefing straight to your inbox. Sign up for the free Mirror Politics newsletter

But they want fast progress.

“We welcome these commitments from the Government, but actions speak louder than words,” said Ross Murdoch, GMB country official.

“It’s time for ministers to hand over this country’s steel workers.”

UK Steel General Manager Gareth Stace said: “While we are encouraged to learn that the Government is implementing a package of measures to reduce industrial electricity prices, the urgency of That work cannot be exaggerated.

“The Business Secretary has demonstrated his desire to harness the power of government that is entirely behind the steel sector and secure this strategic and industrial asset for decades to come.

“We look forward to working with him to implement this vision across Government to deliver a bright and green future for UK steel production.”

Industry leaders also outlined their plans to cut emissions – and how they want the Government to help.

The UK steel industry emitted around 12 million tonnes of carbon dioxide – including indirect emissions from electricity generation – in 2019.

It accounts for 11.5% of the UK’s industrial emissions and 2.7% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Insiders recognize the need to improve processes so that steel is produced with less pollution and a sustainable future.

Steelworkers union general secretary Roy Rickhuss said: “The Business Secretary’s response to the industry’s net-zero proposals has been encouraging, but steelworkers need a word. speak to turn into action.

“Our industry faces enormous challenges, especially since energy prices are not viable and all the government agencies have to step in and start delivering.

“The situation is urgent because EU governments are helping their steelmakers decarbonise, and every day we fall further behind our main competitors.”

He said worker leaders and company bosses were “looking to the Prime Minister and Prime Minister to support our steel industry, support UK steelworkers and protect communities”. our copper”.

He added: “A strong UK steel industry will play a key role in providing net value, as the foundation of the supply chain for our green industries in the future.”

Mr. Kwarteng said: “Steel is a strategic national industry and we would like to see the industry continue to gain a business advantage both domestically and internationally over the long term as it transitions to a low carbon future in line ways to support competitiveness, jobs and clean growth. ”

Mirror has been campaigning to Save Our Steel since the sector was hit by factory closures and thousands of job losses in 2015.