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STORY

In a bold and unprecedented move, the UK government is set to begin the process of nationalising parts of the country’s beleaguered steel industry, as fears grow over mass job losses and the collapse of domestic steel production.

Ministers are expected to unveil emergency legislation this weekend granting the government powers to intervene directly in strategically vital steel firms, including British Steel and Tata Steel’s operations in the UK. The plan would give ministers the ability to take temporary control of assets, inject public funding, and ensure production continuity in regions heavily dependent on steelmaking.

The decision follows mounting pressure from trade unions, Labour backbenchers, and local leaders, particularly in industrial heartlands like Scunthorpe and Port Talbot, where thousands of steelworkers face redundancy due to the planned closure of blast furnaces and the shift toward electric arc furnace technology.

‘A Matter of National Interest’

Announcing the move, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told reporters: “Steel is not just a symbol of our industrial heritage—it is a cornerstone of our future. From defence and infrastructure to the green transition, we cannot afford to lose sovereign capacity in steel production. The government is acting decisively in the national interest.”

The proposed intervention would mark the UK’s most significant act of nationalisation since the bailout of the banking sector in 2008, and the first re-entry of the state into steel ownership since British Steel was privatised in 1988.

Under the legislation—dubbed the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill—the government would gain temporary ownership rights over sites deemed economically or strategically vital, with compensation mechanisms for current owners. The move is expected to focus initially on preserving production at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site, which is facing imminent shutdown.

Backlash and Support

The proposal has already stirred fierce debate. Business leaders warn it could send the wrong signal to investors, while union leaders have welcomed the plan as a necessary step to protect livelihoods and national resilience.

Unite the Union’s General Secretary Sharon Graham called the move “long overdue,” adding: “The market has failed. The government is right to step in. You cannot build a green economy or a serious industrial strategy without a steel industry.”

The Conservative opposition has accused the Labour government of returning to “1970s-style economics.” Shadow Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said the decision was “ideologically driven” and risked “saddling taxpayers with costly liabilities for failing companies.”

Why Now?

The nationalisation proposal comes amid a perfect storm for the industry. Rising energy prices, global overcapacity, and the reimposition of US tariffs on British steel have all contributed to financial instability. Meanwhile, the transition to green steel has raised urgent questions about investment, competitiveness, and employment.

Tata Steel’s move to shut its blast furnaces in Port Talbot and replace them with cleaner electric arc furnaces has left 2,800 workers facing redundancy. British Steel, owned by Chinese firm Jingye, is reportedly losing nearly £700,000 per day.

Government sources insist the nationalisation plan is “temporary and targeted,” with a long-term strategy still focused on delivering a modern, decarbonised steel sector through public-private partnerships.

Looking Ahead

The Steel Industry Bill will be debated in Parliament over the coming week, with a fast-tracked schedule to avoid production halts. If passed, the first sites could come under public control as early as next month.

With steel at the centre of defence supply chains, infrastructure plans, and the green transition, ministers are expected to argue that keeping it in UK hands is not just a question of economics—but of sovereignty.

As one senior government official put it: “You can’t build a clean energy future on foreign steel. Not if you’re serious about reindustrialisation.”

The stakes are high, but so is the symbolism. After decades of managed decline and global retreat, the state is stepping back into the furnace.

STORY

In yet another dramatic reversal, the Trump administration has scrapped plans to impose sweeping tariffs on smartphones, laptops, and other electronic goods—just days after championing them as a cornerstone of his “America First 2.0” trade crusade. The decision, which blindsided Republican allies and delighted global markets, marks the second major tariff climb-down in as many weeks and has been widely described in Washington and abroad as a political embarrassment for former President Donald Trump, who is eyeing a return to the White House in November.

The now-abandoned tariffs, announced with typical fanfare during a campaign rally in Michigan, were intended to target Asian tech manufacturing hubs, including South Korea, Vietnam, and China. Trump claimed they would protect American jobs and “punish countries who cheat,” but the announcement triggered immediate backlash from US tech giants, Wall Street, and international trade partners. The proposed levies, which would have added up to 25% on imports of phones, tablets, and household electronics, were labelled “economic lunacy” by industry groups, with Apple and Samsung warning of price hikes and supply chain chaos in the run-up to Christmas.

Facing pressure from the tech industry, consumer advocacy groups, and even Republican governors concerned about inflation, Trump’s trade team issued a late-night statement on Friday confirming the tariffs would no longer go ahead. The statement cited “a re-evaluation of market dynamics” and “ongoing stakeholder consultations”—Washington code for “this went down like a lead balloon.”

Critics were quick to pounce on the retreat.

“This is a humiliation for Trump,” said Democratic Senator Maria Campbell. “You can’t play strongman one day and wave the white flag the next. It shows the chaos and incoherence of his entire trade agenda.”

Even some Republicans expressed frustration at the backpedal. “If we want to lead, we need clarity—not chaos,” said Senator Rick Burns, a long-time proponent of tough trade policies. “This does nothing for credibility.”

Across the Atlantic, European officials greeted the U-turn with a mix of relief and amusement. One senior UK trade official quipped, “It’s becoming hard to keep up. One day it’s a tariff war, the next day it’s a group hug. We’re just trying not to get caught in the crossfire.”

The White House has remained tight-lipped, with aides reportedly scrambling to contain the fallout. Sources close to the Trump campaign admitted privately that the proposal was “poorly timed” and “politically damaging.”

This latest U-turn follows hot on the heels of Trump’s embarrassing reversal on steel and car part tariffs—also scrapped after diplomatic uproar and pressure from American manufacturers.

Observers now question whether Trump’s “tough on trade” posture has any remaining credibility. “The pattern is clear,” said Dr. Lena Alvarez, an international trade analyst. “Bluster, backlash, backtrack.”

As Trump prepares for upcoming televised debates and eyes a second presidency, critics are warning voters to expect more volatility—and more headlines like this.

STORY

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the return of the capital’s St George’s Day Festival to Trafalgar Square on Monday, April 21. Running from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the free, family-friendly event will celebrate England’s rich heritage through live music, dance, and interactive workshops. Hosted by singer-songwriter Harley Moon Kemp, the festival will feature performances by The Nigel Grice Jazz Collective, the English Folk Dance and Song Society, singer-songwriter Matilda Garcia, dance company Bird and Gang, spoken word artist Palacio de Poetas, the West End Kids, and harmony group Vocal Shack. Attendees can also enjoy traditional Morris dancing from the Belles of London City and meet the famous Pearly Kings and Queens.

Throughout the afternoon, St George and his Dragon will be roaming across the Square, adding to the festive atmosphere. A variety of food and drink stalls will be available, and the day will conclude with a ceilidh led by Cut A Shine, a troupe of traditional musicians and dancers. Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m delighted that our St George’s Day celebrations return to Trafalgar Square this month. Londoners and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of free, family-friendly entertainment in the heart of our capital. It’s an event that brings our communities together and showcases all that’s brilliant about England, as we build a better London for everyone.”

STORY

In a rare move, the UK Parliament will be recalled from its Easter recess on Saturday, April 12, to debate emergency legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of British Steel. The decision underscores the urgency of addressing the potential closure of the company’s Scunthorpe plant, which employs approximately 3,000 workers.​ The Government plans to introduce the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, granting ministers the authority to intervene directly in steel companies operating in England. This legislation is designed to prevent the shutdown of British Steel’s blast furnaces in Scunthorpe, a move that could have significant economic and strategic implications for the UK.

British Steel, owned by China’s Jingye Group since 2020, has been facing severe financial challenges, reportedly losing around £700,000 daily. The company’s difficulties have been exacerbated by high energy costs and recent 25% tariffs imposed by the United States on all steel imports.​ The recall of Parliament for this debate marks the 35th such instance since 1948, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.​ The House of Commons will convene at 11 a.m., followed by the House of Lords at noon, to deliberate on the proposed legislation.