UK steelmaking has a ‘bright future’, says minister

In April, the government took control of British Steel from Jingye Group, as they were concerned Jingye would close the UK’s only remaining blast furnaces.

Speaking to the BBC at British Steel’s plant in Scunthorpe, McDonald said: "The fact we took control of the Scunthorpe steelworks back in April was a major commitment by the government to retain this steel company, but also the capabilities here as well."

He added: "We want to get to a position where we have a profitable, sustainable business here that can access private sector investment and partnership, along with government support."

During his visit to the site, McDonald also stated that he had met with the owners, the local MP, and union representatives, to discuss future plans for the site.

In March, Jingye said the plant was losing the company around £700k a day and argued operating blast furnaces was “no longer financially sustainable.”

Scunthorpe’s Labour MP, Sir Nic Dakin, outlined how the visit from the minister was very positive, and added: "It's about the people here working with people in government to get the best for the future."

McDonald said the government is expected to publish its steel strategy for the future by the end of the year.

(Source: BBC)