#StrongUnionStrongFuture Conference – Steel Speech

During Community Union’s 2026 Biennial Delegates Conference Paul McKenna moved the chapter for steel.

You can watch his speech in full below.

National Secretary for Steel, Paul McKenna, said:

“It is a privilege to address Conference at a time of immense change for our industry to move the chapter on steel.

“There is no escaping the fact that the past few years have been one of the most challenging periods faced by steelworkers across the sector. Our industry stands at a crossroads. We are navigating the transition to low-carbon steelmaking while facing global overcapacity, unfair competition, tariffs, volatile markets and uncertain demand.

“But, throughout every challenge, Community has remained where it has always been, standing shoulder to shoulder with our members, fighting for jobs, securing investment and ensuring that steelmaking remains at the heart of Britain’s industrial future.

“Our steel sector committee continues to add value to our debates and interactions with members, and this will continue to be the case going forward.

“At Tata Steel, we have witnessed a historic transformation. The closure of the blast furnaces at Port Talbot marked the end of an era and brought real pain to thousands of workers and their families. Yet, alongside that difficult chapter, comes a major opportunity. The £1.25 billion investment in an Electric Arc Furnace represents a commitment to the future of steelmaking in South Wales.

“Our responsibility now is to ensure that this investment succeeds; the future livelihoods of our members depend upon it. Community has played a vital role throughout this transition, supporting members through restructuring and establishing the Port Talbot Support Centre, which has already assisted a huge number of workers.

“We know the challenges are not over. Downstream operations continue to face pressures from imported steel and global market instability. That is why we will continue campaigning for fair trade policies and support for UK steel producers. We will also continue working constructively with Tata to ensure that our members receive the security, consistency and opportunities they deserve.

“At British Steel, the situation has been equally concerning. The threat of blast furnace closures at Scunthorpe placed thousands of jobs at risk and threatened the future of primary steelmaking in this country. The Government’s intervention ensured that operations continued and prevented the immediate loss of a strategically vital asset. This outcome demonstrates something we have said for years: steel matters. It matters to our economy, our communities, and our national security.

“Community remains focused on securing the long-term future of British Steel, while strengthening our health and safety network, and ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of every shift.

“At SSUK, uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over the workforce. Financial challenges and production difficulties have left many members concerned about the future. Yet, the facilities in Yorkshire and Dalzell remain nationally important assets. In particular, Dalzell, as the UK’s only plate mill, has a critical role to play in supporting infrastructure projects, renewable energy developments and future industrial growth. The 42-inch mill at Hartlepool was successfully purchased by Corinth steel and we have had meetings with the company on their ongoing plans.

“Conference, Community will continue pressing Government, investors and administrators to secure the investment needed to unlock the potential of these sites and protect highly skilled jobs.

“At Celsa Steel, we have seen significant change through the transition to new ownership. The Cardiff operation remains a vital part of the UK’s circular economy, producing recycled steel and demonstrating the role our sector can play in achieving environmental goals while supporting quality employment. We continue to engage positively with the new ownership and support our reps.

“At Marcegaglia, despite difficult market conditions and the impact of international tariffs, the company is pushing forward to secure strategic orders.

“Conference, the message that runs through all of these stories is simple; Britain still needs its steel. In an increasingly uncertain world, steel is not just another commodity, it is a strategic material. It is fundamental to our national defence, our energy security, our transport networks and our industrial independence.

“Every offshore wind turbine, every railway line, every electricity grid upgrade, every major infrastructure project, relies upon steel. The transition to a greener economy cannot happen without it.

“For years, Community members have marched through steel towns, lobbied governments of every political colour, and fought tirelessly to defend our industry. We have done so because we know what is at stake.

“Steel communities have powered this country for generations. They deserve investment, they deserve respect and they deserve a future.

“Two years ago, this conference demonstrated the determination, resilience and pride that exists throughout our sector. That determination has not weakened. If anything, it has grown stronger.

“As we look ahead, Community will continue to be the voice of steelworkers. We will continue fighting for investment. We will continue defending jobs. We will continue making the case for a strong, sustainable and sovereign steel industry, because Britain’s future needs steel, and Britain’s steelworkers deserve nothing less.”