Marie Tidball MP welcomes news that Government will work towards acquisition of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK)

Marie Tidball MP said:

"Today's announcement that Government will work towards public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK is a landmark moment for Stocksbridge and for steelmaking across South Yorkshire.

I have been fighting for this plant since day one, with a determination to prevent our plant from becoming another casualty of industrial decline. Since Liberty's collapse, I have worked tirelessly alongside workers, unions and the local community to protect jobs and keep our plant's future alive. I'm proud that our Government has provided £50 million to pay the wages and pensions of our steelworkers in Stocksbridge and Rotherham, keeping our steelworks open. This will continue while the Government works towards public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK), to secure a sustainable long-term future for SSUK as a speciality steelmaker, as well as opportunities for regeneration.

For the 600 workers at Stocksbridge, this means certainty and security. They can now be assured of continued jobs, pay, pensions and a Government finally prepared to back British steelmaking rather than watch it wither after years of neglect.

Going forward, I will continue to press the Government to restart steelmaking at these sites, an ambition I know the Steel Minister shares for our plant. Steel is the beating heart of Stocksbridge. At its peak, our site produced 15% of global aerospace and defence steel, and restarting production will safeguard the specialist skills, product qualifications and customer accreditations that took decades to build, while creating new jobs and growth for the future.

There is more work ahead to secure a sustainable long-term future, and I will be working with ministers every step of the way. Today shows what's possible when workers and Government pull together to reindustrialise communities like Stocksbridge.

This process has always been about securing a responsible owner for these sites to protect them for a generation to come. Therefore, I am delighted that the Government have today recognised that these sites could play a vital role in supporting the Government's modern Industrial Strategy, producing specialist steel for sectors including aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing.

As I have since day one, I will keep fighting for every job and every family who depend on this industry. If any steelworkers or families would like to get in touch, please contact me at marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk."

Business Secretary Jonny Reynolds said:

We do not intervene in private companies lightly. But nor can we simply stand aside and allow the future of this company and over 1,300 jobs to be decided by default. 

Working towards public acquisition will keep options open while we work with local leaders, workers, industry and investors to determine the best long-term future for these sites, which could play a vital role in the future of the growth-driving sectors in our Industrial Strategy, including defence and advanced manufacturing.

I am determined that we take the time to properly assess the opportunities available here and make decisions that support growth, jobs and Britain’s industrial future. 

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said:

This Government refuses to be a passive observer to the decline of our critical industries and the loss of good jobs. Inaction is not an option.

Over the coming months, we will work with regional and local partners to agree a way forward that delivers for employees, the community and the country.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: 

Since the day the company went into liquidation, I’ve been working with Government at the highest levels along with staff, unions and our local partners to help deliver a sustainable, long-term future for these sites.

I’m pleased the Government has taken action. It’s the next important step forward, giving us more time to find the best possible outcome for our steel making communities – places where people have faced economic challenges and real barriers to opportunity for far too long.

I know the workforce, their families and our communities are still feeling some uncertainty about what the future holds. I’m fully committed to working with our local and national partners, to do everything we can to continue our support for people as the process continues.