WESTMINSTER, England – In a dramatic move, the UK government has on Saturday, April 12, 2025, taken control of Chinese-owned British Steel, following the passage of emergency legislation through Parliament in a single day.
This legislation was fast-tracked to prevent the closure of the company’s key Scunthorpe plant, which employs 2,700 people, and avert a potential collapse of the UK’s primary steel production sector.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds informed Members of Parliament (MPs) that the government’s next step was likely to nationalise the Scunthorpe facility.
He explained that urgent action was needed to stop the plant’s two blast furnaces from shutting down, a move that would have significantly damaged the nation’s steel industry.
The emergency powers were granted under legislation passed in an unusually rare Saturday session of Parliament, with MPs and peers returning early from their Easter break to debate the matter.
After passing both Houses of Parliament, the legislation quickly received Royal Assent.
According to BBC sources, UK government officials were already stationed at the Scunthorpe plant, prepared to assume control of operations.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the nation following the legislation’s approval, emphasizing that the government’s intervention was a critical step to safeguard British steel production.
“Today, my government has stepped in to save British steel,” Starmer declared.
“We are acting to protect the jobs of thousands of workers, and all options are on the table to secure the future of the industry.”
Starmer, speaking to steelworkers at a local village hall near Scunthorpe, expressed deep appreciation for the workforce, calling them the backbone of the UK’s steel industry.
He reassured workers and their families that the government’s commitment to the steel sector was unwavering, stating, “Our industry is the pride of our history – and I want it to be our future, too.”
In solidarity with the steelworkers, several hundred people, including employees and their families, took part in a march and rally at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park stadium, chanting “we want our steel back.”
Rob Barroclough, a British Steel worker, spoke about the profound impact of the plant on local families, including his own.
“Our family, like many others, is built around the steelworks. Who knows… my boys might end up working there one day, if it can be saved,” he said, adding, “We’re hoping for the best but planning for the worst.”
Tensions at the steelworks escalated following reports of a suspected breach of the peace early on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Jingye officials, who have been regularly visiting the plant, found themselves unable to pass through site barriers after their vehicles were flagged by automatic number plate recognition scanners.
Humberside Police confirmed that officers were dispatched to conduct checks, but assured the public that no concerns were raised and no arrests were made.
The crisis surrounding British Steel comes at a time when the company is under increasing pressure, with its future uncertain due to strained relations between the workers and Jingye officials.
