UK Government Launches New Steel Council

The UK Government has launched a new Steel Council, co-chaired by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Jon Bolton of the Materials Processing Institute, to address challenges in the steel sector and guide the industry's future with a backing of up to £2.5 billion. This initiative follows significant job losses, particularly with Tata Steel's shift from traditional blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, raising concerns about further employment cuts. The council aims to unite industry leaders, trade unions, and government representatives to secure the long-term viability of steelmaking in the UK. It will meet regularly as the government prepares its Steel Strategy, expected in the spring, which will outline plans to enhance steel production capacity. The council represents a commitment to placing workers and communities at the center of economic growth efforts. Stakeholders view this as a crucial step towards creating a sustainable and resilient steel industry in Britain.