2 weeks Ago
The Houses of Parliament were recalled for an almost unheard-of weekend sitting. At the sitting, the government passed a law in a single day to keep British Steel’s Scunthorpe Steelworks up and running. Scunthorpe Steelworks – the last remaining steel mill in the UK capable of producing steel from raw materials and heat of up to 2000 degrees Centigrade – is a vital part of our country’s industrial success and security.
However, it has been at risk of closure after its Chinese parent company deemed it “no longer financially sustainable”. The emergency law passed in parliament gave the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, power over the steelworks to ensure it stays open. The UK Government has said it could bring British Steel under public ownership and control if necessary to protect our steel industry and national security.
By acting swiftly and decisively, thousands of jobs have been saved and supported across the UK. Virgin steel is essential for industries such as rail, construction, shipbuilding and defence - all vital for our economy here in Inverclyde and sectors which would otherwise be reliant on foreign sources. These actions should serve as a reminder of the importance of an industrial strategy and an example for the Scottish Government to follow when it comes to our industrial sector in Inverclyde.
The snubbing of Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow for Scottish Government funded ferry contracts has been appalling. As the Telegraph has reported, the yard was recently denied a significant contract to build seven small ferries - vessels it has a record of building on time and on budget. Ferguson Marine is publicly owned, but Scottish ministers have done precious little to protect it in the face of uncertainty.
Instead, the work has gone to a shipyard in Poland – while Scottish ministers have stood idly by, putting local jobs and a key Inverclyde industry at risk. This is unacceptable and makes little sense. A bit of joined up thinking is required.
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