Britain's largest steel companies have halted imports of Russian coal as the West's attempts to sever ties with Vladimir Putin's regime gather pace.
UK newspaper The Mail on Sunday reported that Tata Steel UK and British Steel have both ended their reliance on the country's coal which is used to power their blast furnaces.
Tata, part of a giant Indian conglomerate, runs Britain's biggest steelworks at Port Talbot in South Wales.
British Steel, acquired from administration by China's Jingye in 2020, makes steel for railway tracks from sites including Scunthorpe and Teesside.
''I'm delighted to see any company divest itself of Russian interests. We need to see that business go instead to the UK and its allies.''
UK Conservative MP Richard Holden
UK Conservative MP Richard Holden commented: ''I'm delighted to see any company divest itself of Russian interests. We need to see that business go instead to the UK and its allies.''
''We have ceased any trade relationships with suppliers and customers based in Russia. We do not anticipate supply disruptions and continue to operate according to our production plans. ''
Spokesman for British Steel
A British Steel spokesman said: ''We have ceased any trade relationships with suppliers and customers based in Russia. We do not anticipate supply disruptions and continue to operate according to our production plans.''
Last week, US president Joe Biden banned imports of Russian coal, oil, gas and all other energy products, while UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed to phasing out imports of Russian oil by the end of the year to allow companies to find alternative supplies. The Government is also 'exploring options' to reduce natural gas supplies from Russia.
Industry sources said European steelmakers were likely to turn to Australia, Canada and others to make up the shortfall.
Source: The Mail on Sunday
