Steel remains vital to our economy, our security and thousands of skilled jobs across the Black Country.

That’s why I welcome the passage of the Steel Nationalisation Bill, helping to secure the future of British Steel and safeguard a strategic industry that is essential to Britain’s future.

Alongside bringing British Steel into public ownership where it is in the national interest, The Labour Government’s £2.5 billion Steel Strategy will help rebuild the sector, boost domestic production and strengthen Britain’s industrial base.

For too long, communities built on steel have been left to face uncertainty and underinvestment. This Government is taking action to change that.

But protecting steel isn’t just about primary steelmaking. In recent weeks, I’ve been raising concerns directly with the Minister about the impact that proposed downstream steel quotas and trade restrictions could have on manufacturers in our region. Many businesses rely on access to specialist steel products, and it’s vital that government policy supports the entire supply chain, from steelmaking to the manufacturers who turn that steel into finished products.

The Black Country has a proud industrial heritage, and we must ensure that decisions taken in Westminster don’t inadvertently put local jobs, investment and growth at risk – I will continue to push to make sure this isn’t the case.

I also urged ministers to ensure we are accelerating the transition to greener steel production here in the UK. The future of British steel should be both secure and sustainable, helping us strengthen our industrial base while meeting our climate commitments.

Protecting steel jobs, supporting manufacturers and building a cleaner industrial future must go hand in hand