Prime Minister says he takes 'a personal interest' in Scunthorpe steelworks outcome

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says he takes a personal interest in the developments at Scunthorpe 's steelworks. Last week, British Steel announced it would consult unions and staff on closing its blast furnaces and the wider steelmaking operations, potentially by early June. It followed negotiations between British Steel's owners, Jingye Group, and the Government, over a support package to help it transition to greener steelmaking stalling.

An offer made by the Government was not accepted by Jingye. Talks have been ongoing this week, however. Martin Vickers MP (Conservative - Brigg and Immingham) secured an urgent question on the future of the steelworks on the day the consultation announcement was made.



He pressed the issue again at this week's PMQs and asked the prime minister to meet with local MPs and North Lincolnshire Council 's leader. Read More: British Steel's Scunthorpe steelworks - how did it get to this point? "Some 2,700 workers at Scunthorpe steelworks are facing redundancy, plus many more in the supply chain, and many of those people are my constituents," he said. "It is welcome that negotiations are continuing, but whatever the outcome, the local economy is going to need significant support.

"All those affected would appreciate it and be reassured if the prime minister could give an indication that he was personally taking an interest in this matter, and if at some point in the not too distant future, he would meet me, neighbouring MPs and the council leader to discuss the way forward." Brigg and Immingham MP Martin Vickers, pictured, asked for a meeting with the PM over Scunthorpe steelworks (Image: Official UK Parliament portrait) Sir Keir said he took a personal interest in the steelworks, but stopped short of a commitment to meeting Mr Vickers, other local MPs and the council leader. "I do take a personal interest.

A short while ago, I went to Scunthorpe to talk to the management and workers to understand the challenges at first hand and how deeply worrying this will be for those working there, their families and the community as a whole, which is why negotiations are taking place. "I call on the company to accept the offer of financial support that has been advanced, so that we can achieve a sustainable future for the workforce, the industry and the local community," he said. Read More: Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Scunthorpe with our free newsletter Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp - all you need to do is click the link .

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