Passing of Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill welcomed

The legislation, says Community, creates a stronger framework for the Government to intervene in the steel industry when it is in the public interest to do so.

While nationalisation is not intended as a permanent solution, the new law will allow for speedy intervention in British Steel, the operator of the UK’s two remaining blast furnaces, which were almost shut down until the Government intervened through emergency legislation in April 2025.

Community has backed the Bill as Britain’s economic future, defence capabilities and environmental ambitions are inextricably tied to the fortunes of UK steel industry.

Alasdair McDiarmid, assistant general secretary of Community, commented: “Community is incredibly grateful to the Labour MPs who helped to push through this important legislation.

“This new law will enable steel companies to be brought into public ownership, where necessary, which will help to safeguard thousands of jobs and ensure the UK retains the capability to produce the steel our economy and national security depends upon.

“The Labour Government has shown continued support for the steel sector, and we look forward to seeing the UK Steel Strategy implemented in full.”

Paul McKenna, Community’s national secretary for steel said: “The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated. Its swift progress through Parliament proves something Community has known for a long time - that the steel industry is a strategic national asset vital to our economy and national security.”