I challenged UK Government ministers on support the steel industry during departmental questions this week.

Speaking in BEIS Questions, I said “Wind turbines, electrifying our railways and electric vehicles all need steel. What are the Government doing to help our steel industry at this challenging time?”

In response, Business, Energy and Clean Growth minister Kwasi Kwarteng said “The hon. Lady will be pleased to hear that we have a strategy, and she is right. Decarbonising industry in general is vital, but we remain committed to UK steel and steel production in this country, and that is something the Department is very concerned with.”

I welcome the minister’s reference to a ‘strategy’ for steel, but we need urgent clarity on what this actually means in practice for an industry which needs support now. A steel sector deal should still be a priority for the government, as well as meaningful action on procurement, industrial energy costs and trade.”