As part of a package of support from the Government, British Steel had made clear its future lay in green technology, including new Electric Arc Furnaces.
The plan was to have one at Scunthorpe and one at Teesside – with planning permission in place here since April – but now reports suggesting BOTH furnaces will be built at Scunthorpe has led to angry exchanges between Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen and six Labour MPs.
But today a British Steel spokesperson insisted no decision had been made.
The company told The Northern Echo: “We are in ongoing discussions with the government about our decarbonisation plans and the future operations of our UK business. While progress continues, no final decisions have been made.”
While that offers little clarity – as you would expect when billions hang in the balance – the ‘no final decisions’ part could be the last hope in a battle to return steelmaking to its North East home.
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Mayor Houchen had responded to the reports by asking MPs Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland; Andy McDonald MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East; Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North; Jonathan Brash MP for Hartlepool; Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy to help correct what he called ‘a profound mistake’.
In a letter to the MPs, he said: “I hope you’ll put Teesside above party politics and join me in fighting for our region’s future.”
The MPs responded robustly, saying they were “absolutely committed to the steel industry on Teesside and across the UK”
In a letter signed by all six, they told the mayor: “Now have a government that recognises steel as a strategic national industry, critical to the future of our economy and essential for delivering the green industrial revolution.
“The establishment of the £2.5bn Steel Council is a clear signal that Labour is serious about securing the future of steelmaking.
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“The closure of Redcar steelworks in 2015 was a devastating blow to Teesside, and we are still living with the consequences of the Conservative Government’s decision to abandon our region.
“We understand the Government’s determination to secure steel jobs in Scunthorpe through the Electric Arc Furnaces. However, this is only the first step in a long-term plan to rebuild the UK’s steelmaking capacity.
“Teesside’s case for an EAF is incredibly strong, and we are committed to pushing for its inclusion in the next phase of the steel strategy “The Labour Government is delivering the tools to make this happen, but we need all stakeholders to work together to secure this vision. That’s why we are inviting local leaders in industry to join us in championing Teesside’s potential.”
Taking his turn on the battleground, Ben Houchen accused the MPs of using ‘slippery words’.
He said: “A lack of action is one thing, but what I did not expect was for them to simply lie down and accept it. Do local Labour MPs think we’re stupid?
“This letter I’ve received from the region’s Labour MPs is full of the usual slippery words politicians use when they’re not delivering.
“Let’s break it down: ‘Only the first step’ – Translation: Scunthorpe FIRST, Teesside LAST. Teesside’s future is at the back of their minds and back of the queue. ‘Committed to pushing for inclusion in the next phase’ – Translation: They hope there will be a next phase, but nothing is guaranteed.”