London: In an unprecedented move, an emergency bill aimed at securing the future of British Steel’s Scunthorpe blast furnaces has officially become law.
Passed in just one day, the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill grants UK ministers sweeping powers to ensure the plant remains operational.
The legislation was rushed through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords during a special sitting, the first such recall from recess in over four decades. It was swiftly granted royal assent by King Charles.
The new law empowers the government to intervene directly in the steel industry, allowing ministers to take control of British Steel or similar assets, order the production of steel, ensure workers are paid, and, if necessary, use force. Those who defy the law could face up to two years in prison.
Today, my government has stepped in to save British Steel and secure Britain’s future. pic.twitter.com/1NON9UEZ8w
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 12, 2025
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has already issued instructions to British Steel, though details remain undisclosed. Reynolds described the bill as a vital measure to protect the UK’s steelmaking capabilities and safeguard 3,500 jobs at the Scunthorpe plant.
Police were reportedly called to the site when staff from former Chinese owners Jingye were denied entry, but no issues were found. Meanwhile, officials from the Department for Business and Trade had already arrived before the bill passed.
PM Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the legislation, calling it a turning point after “a decade of decline,” and emphasized that all options, including public ownership, remain under consideration for the future of British steelmaking.
MOST READ | NHS approves breakthrough pill for Breast Cancer after NICE reversal
