Rachel Reeves is under fire after she failed to set out when the Government will take control of the steel site in Scunthorpe despite giving itself the power to take such action. Ms Reeves visited the north east site this afternoon, but could not say when or even if the government will fulfil the wishes of voters and renationalise the critical plant.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Reeves said the government is “determined to do what it takes to protect British industry and protect British jobs”. However when asked when the government could move to nationalise the Scunthorpe site, she demurred: “It was really important on Saturday in that emergency sitting of parliament that week took control of the company to ensure we can bring in the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to the British management team, workers and trade unions to talk about the future.”
“We now have that control of bringing in those raw materials, and I am certain there is a bright future for the steel works here in Scunthorpe.”
She repeatedly refused to spell out the Government’s plan regarding steel nationalisation, though observed there is “no time limit” around which they have to make a decision.
Responding to the interview, a Reform UK spokesman said: “Reform UK want British Steel fully nationalised and its long term future secured.”
“We are shocked and worried by Labour refusing to rule out future Chinese ownership after what’s happened. It’s clear that no lessons have been learnt.
“Labour can’t be trusted with our steel with their reckless pursuit of net zero.”
Speaking in Scunthorpe, The Chancellor didn’t deny that a trade deal with the United States could be just weeks away.
Last night it was reported that White House officials believe an FTA can be struck with Downing Street in just three weeks.
The move would be a much-needed boost for Ms Reeves and British industry, with steel among those sectors whacked with much higher tariffs by President Trump.
Ms Reeves revealed she will be having “conversations with the US administration” next week at the IMF meeting in Washington DC.
“Those conversations with our US counterparts are ongoing. I will be in Washington next week for the International Monetary Fund annual meetings, their spring meetings.
“I will also be having conversations with the US administration whilst I’m there.
“The key thing for the British Government is always acting in the UK’s national interest, and any deal that’s able to be secured will always have front-and-centre British national interest.”
Asked whether any deal could see the 10% US tariff on goods lifted, she said: “We are in active negotiations at the moment with our US counterparts on a whole range of issues concerning the tariffs for steel and aluminium, and the cars which of course are at 25%, as well as the headline tariff rate of 10%.”
She added: “Getting a deal across a whole range of areas… (is) very important for British industry and British jobs, and that is my focus as Chancellor.”
