UK Parliament Debates Emergency Bill to Save British Steel

The government seeks powers to direct operations at Scunthorpe plant, averting closure and safeguarding thousands of jobs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recalled Parliament for a rare Saturday session to debate the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill.
The proposed legislation would empower the government to order raw materials and direct British Steel's operations to prevent the shutdown of Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces.
The closure of the Scunthorpe plant would leave the UK without primary steelmaking capability, increasing reliance on imports during global trade instability.
Jingye Group, British Steel’s Chinese owner, rejected a £500m government rescue package and halted raw material supplies, citing unsustainable financial losses.
The government has not confirmed nationalisation but insists all options remain on the table as unions and opposition figures push for public ownership.