Community welcomes passing of Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill

Steelworkers’ union Community has welcomed the passing of the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill.

The legislation creates stronger framework for the Government to intervene in the steel industry when it is in the public interest to do so.

The new law will allow for speedy intervention in British Steel, the operator of the UK’s two remaining blast furnaces, which were almost shut down until the Government intervened through emergency legislation in April 2025.

Nationalisation is not intended as a permanent resolution to the sector’s challenges, and the Government has made it clear that they continue to see the private sector playing an active role in the future of the steel industry.

Community has backed the Bill as Britain’s economic future, defence capabilities and environmental ambitions are inextricably tied to the fortunes of our steel industry.

Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said: 

“Community is incredibly grateful to the Labour MPs who helped to push through this important legislation.

“This new law will enable steel companies to be brought into public ownership, where necessary, which will help to safeguard thousands of jobs and ensure the UK retains the capability to produce the steel our economy and national security depends upon.

“The Labour Government has shown continued support for the steel sector and we look forward to seeing the UK Steel Strategy implemented in full.”

National Secretary for Steel, Paul McKenna, said:

“The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated. Its swift progress through Parliament proves something Community has known for a long time – that the steel industry is a strategic national asset vital to our economy and national security.”