As residents would expect, I am continuing my steel campaigning in Westminster. You may have seen reports that Tata Steel and the Government have reached agreement to help build Electric Arc Furnaces at their plant in Wales. EAFs definitely have their place in the future of British steelmaking, but I want to ensure Government keep in mind the importance of virgin steelmaking. Scunthorpe will become the only place in the UK that can make steel from scratch. I was glad the Government agreed with me yesterday, rest assured I will continue to fight Scunthorpe and the UK’s corner on this issue.
I was also keen to make the same point in the Business and Trade questions, asking the Government to explain explicitly what they are doing to help retain this vital capability here in Scunthorpe.