Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds chaired the first meeting of the Council yesterday (January 7, 2025) together with co-chair Jon Bolton, chairman of the Materials Processing Institute.
The Council brings together steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel with trade union leaders, industry experts, devolved government representatives and trade associations to address the challenges facing the steel industry and make the changes needed to secure steelmaking in the UK. It will meet regularly as the government prepares to launch its Steel Strategy.
Reynolds said the launch of the Steel Council will place workers and local communities at the heart of government plans as it brings forward up to £2.5bn of investment to secure growth across the country.
Bolton added that the UK has the ‘essential elements’ to attract investment into the steel industry, namely demand, skills, technology, excellent research and development and a supportive government.
Commenting on the announcement, Julia Pyke, joint-managing director at Sizewell C said: "Sizewell C welcomes the government’s new steel strategy and the creation of the Steel Council, which will provide a vital boost to British industry.
“We are a proud signatory of the UK Steel Charter and remain committed to maximising UK steel throughout our construction plans, including a £700m million steel pipeline over the next decade. Supporting strategic industries like British steel is vital for protecting jobs, strengthening communities, and ensuring the resilience of the UK economy.”
The government said it will work closely with the Steel Council towards the launch of the Steel Strategy in Spring, and the Council will to meet regularly following its publication to help drive investment into steelmaking communities across the country.
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