MP signs charter to support steel industry

LLANELLI’S MP Nia Griffith signed the UK Steel Charter at a recent event in Parliament. The charter, organised by the steel industry trade body, sets out a series of practical steps that can be taken to support UK steel producers, including sourcing quality steel from local suppliers.

Ms Griffith explained: “UK steel is facing a perfect storm of a lack of support from the UK Government, orders drying up due to seemingly endless Brexit uncertainty, cheap steel imports from China and President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The recent news about the collapse of British Steel will be of great concern to workers at Port Talbot and Trostre, whose plants face similar challenges.

“MPs from steel communities are doing what we can to fight back and get more support for the steel industry. We met with trade unions and steel company representatives last month to launch the UK Steel Charter, which aims to support the industry. I am pleased that the Welsh Government has signed up to this, and I would encourage all local businesses and councils to do so.”

The UK Steel Charter is an initiative aimed at maximising the amount of UK-produced steel used in UK construction and infrastructure projects. With just over half of the steel purchased for UK construction projects currently coming from abroad, the potential to purchase more steel from UK producers is significant and would boost steel production, support steel jobs and communities, strengthen manufacturing supply chains, and increase UK GDP.