**Steel Crisis Averted: UK Government Takes Bold Action to Save British Steel!**

The UK government has taken drastic action to prevent the potential shutdown of British Steel, spearheaded by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. In an extraordinary parliamentary session, emergency legislation was passed in just one day, aimed at nationalising the Scunthorpe plant, which employs 2,700 workers. This move became necessary after the Chinese-owned Jingye indicated plans to shut down the plant’s two blast furnaces, leading to a complete halt in primary steel production in the UK.

During a rare Saturday sitting of Parliament, the law received Royal Assent, allowing the government to assume control over operations at the Scunthorpe site. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed the government’s commitment to protecting jobs and safeguarding the industry, stressing that British steel is vital for the country’s future and identity.

The situation escalated tensions between workers and Jingye officials, with reports of a police presence at the steelworks due to potential unrest. Workers, including Rob Barroclough, expressed concern for their future, hoping for a positive outcome while also preparing for the worst. The new legislation gives the government broad powers to ensure the facility remains operational, although Jingye will still technically maintain ownership.

Despite hopes for private investment, it was acknowledged that interest from potential buyers is currently lacking. Reynolds indicated that complete nationalisation is about to become a reality, hinting that it may be done at a market value that is ; effectively zero, given the plant’s losses. He underscored the need for the UK to maintain its domestic steel production capabilities.

Calls for full nationalisation of British Steel have echoed from various political figures, including Reform UK’s Richard Tice and Jeremy Corbyn, while Liberal Democrat leaders commended the swift legislative action but urged caution. Critics highlighted inconsistencies in government support for struggling steel plants across the UK, especially in regions like Port Talbot and Scotland, questioning the focus on Scunthorpe.

Reynolds defended the actions taken as uniquely necessary for Scunthorpe and highlighted the importance of steel to Britain’s industrial strength, security, and as a key component for boosting infrastructure spending. The government’s decisive intervention aims to preserve not just jobs, but the very backbone of a vital industry.