UK Government Takes Emergency Control of British Steel's Scunthorpe Plant to Save 2,700 Jobs

The UK government has taken emergency action to prevent the closure of British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, which is owned by the Chinese company Jingye. The move came after Jingye threatened to shut down the plant's blast furnaces, which would have resulted in the loss of 2,700 jobs and left Britain reliant on foreign steel. Parliament passed emergency legislation on Saturday to give the government control over the plant's operations, ensuring the continued production of crude steel, a strategically important commodity for the country. The government's intervention was prompted by Jingye's refusal to order vital raw materials, which would have led to the furnaces cooling down and potentially becoming inoperable. This action has raised concerns about the reliability of Chinese investment in sensitive UK industries. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has stated that he would not bring another Chinese company into the steel sector, signaling a potential shift in policy regarding Chinese investment in critical infrastructure. The crisis at British Steel has sparked a broader debate about the UK's relationship with China, especially in light of recent efforts by the government to improve ties with Beijing. The situation has led to calls for a review of Chinese investment in UK infrastructure, with some Labour figures urging a more cautious approach to foreign investment in strategic sectors.