I welcome the announcement that the Government will work towards the public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK).

UK steel is vital for our economy and security. We produce some of the best steel in the world and it supports thousands of good jobs.

Here in the Black Country, many downstream businesses relied on SSUK for quality products which are now being sourced abroad. I asked the Secretary of State to continue to work closely with the industry to keep them informed of progress with production so businesses can switch back to buying British at the earliest opportunity.

The Government is delivering the UK’s first ever Steel Strategy, setting out a long-term plan to rebuild the sector, attract investment and position the UK as a world leader in clean, modern steel production.