Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : International Summit on the Future of Energy Security Partners [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 14 April 2025.

Government welcomes Official Partners of International Summit on the Future of Energy Security.
- The Official Partners sponsoring the International Energy Agency and UK Government’s energy security summit are Iberdrola/ScottishPower, National Grid, SSE and Urenco
- Ministers and industry leaders from around the world will gather in London in April to discuss the future of energy security
- Summit will be hosted by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol
The government has today (Monday 14 April) announced the four Official Partners sponsoring the upcoming summit marking a new era for energy security.

Energy ministers and key energy sector decision makers from around the world will convene at the UK Government and International Energy Agency’s Summit on the Future of Energy Security, co-hosted by the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol, at Lancaster House, London, on 24-25 April.

Sponsorship from Iberdrola/ScottishPower, National Grid, SSE and Urenco will help deliver the summit at a lower cost to UK taxpayers and demonstrates their ongoing commitment to delivering clean energy and energy security in the UK and around the world.

In recent years, energy security has risen up the global agenda as countries act to respond to today’s challenges and protect themselves from future energy shocks. The summit is an opportunity to cooperate on rising to the challenges the world faces on energy security and seizing the opportunities to act. It comes as the UK sets a global example by accelerating to a new era of clean electricity by 2030.

The Official Partners

Iberdrola/ScottishPower

Iberdrola is the largest utility in Europe, with a market capitalization of £85 billion, and serves 100 million people worldwide thanks to a diversified portfolio of businesses across the electricity value chain in the UK, the US, Spain, France, Germany, Brazil and Australia. In the UK, Iberdrola is investing £24 billion up to 2028 through ScottishPower, mainly in transmission and distribution networks and offshore wind. Overall, the Group is dedicating around 70% of its investments to power networks to accelerate electrification as a way to increase energy security and competitiveness, create new industries and jobs, and improve sustainability. Around two thirds of Iberdrola’s global investments are allocated to the UK and to the US

Iberdrola Executive Chairman Ignacio Galán said:

Energy security is the first step towards overall security. Digitalization, big data, AI and the industries of the future rely on a secure power supply, driving demand growth not seen for decades, and network infrastructures are the backbone of a resilient power system. Driven by the UK Government’s clear and stable energy policies, Iberdrola is investing £24 billion to 2028 in the UK in transmission, distribution and offshore wind to guarantee energy security, growth and competitiveness. We welcome the IEA and UK Government bringing together key policy makers and energy companies to analyse how best to enhance energy security globally.

National Grid

National Grid is investing £60 billion in energy networks over the next five years in the UK and the northeastern United States. This represents nearly double the investment of the previous five years. Its commitment will unlock significant economic growth, create thousands of new jobs, reduce energy bills in the long term, increase energy security, and support an increasingly decarbonised, electrified economy.

National Grid Chief Executive Officer John Pettigrew said:

National Grid is investing £60 billion in energy networks to 2029, boosting energy security, driving economic growth, and supporting 60,000 more jobs across the UK and US. Innovation and investment will be essential to unlocking the benefits of the energy transformation for customers and communities; it is essential that events like this exist to enable the sector to collaborate and drive progress forwards.

SSE

SSE is a UK-listed and headquartered company investing £20 billion over five years to 2027 in renewable energy, electricity networks, and flexible power generation. Harnessing some of Europe’s best renewable resources with projects like Dogger Bank – the world’s largest offshore wind farm – SSE generates homegrown clean energy, protecting billpayers from overdependence on imported fossil fuels. It also builds and operate vital transmission and distribution grids to connect and transport more secure power to homes and businesses. At the same time, through its fleet of flexible generation and storage assets across hydro, batteries and efficient gas-fired power stations, it provides the balance required to ensure an increasingly renewable energy system is not only cleaner but more secure.

SSE Chief Executive Officer Alistair Phillips-Davies said:

It has never been clearer that energy security equates to national security – and achieving it requires countries to focus both on developing their own homegrown energy sources and on international cooperation to ensure increased flexibility and resilience. This principle is at the heart of the UK Government’s Clean Power Mission, and we are proud to be playing our part in delivering mission-critical investments across renewables, networks, and system flexibility. But there is more we can and must do, and we are therefore thrilled to be partnering with the UK Government and the IEA to advance this crucial agenda.

Urenco

Urenco is a global uranium enrichment company, fuelling nuclear power plants to ensure a secure, reliable, and low carbon supply of energy. With four facilities in different countries within the Western world, it is providing customers with choice of where to receive their supply from and are rapidly ramping up capacity to meet increased demand.

Urenco Chief Executive Officer Boris Schucht said:

There are now well-established drivers for an enhanced role of nuclear power: the need to meet climate change goals; and the need for countries to have a secure and independent energy supply. As a long-standing and integral part of the global nuclear industry, Urenco sees it as our responsibility to make a valuable contribution to meeting world-wide energy needs, complementing other low carbon sources through a 24/7 supply which is cost effective over the lifetime of a reactor. We will continue to collaborate with partners across the energy sector and beyond to help ensure the reliable, clean energy system our world needs are achieved.
April 15, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government statement on denial of UK MP to enter Hong Kong [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 April 2025.

The UK Government has issued a response after a UK MP was refused entry to Hong Kong.

A Government spokesperson said:

During his visit to mainland China and Hong Kong Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander relayed our immediate and deep concern regarding MP Wera Hobhouse denial of entry into Hong Kong. Minister Alexander raised our concerns and demanded an explanation with senior Chinese and Hong Kong interlocutors including Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, to understand why the Hong Kong authorities refused access to a British MP.

It is deeply concerning that a UK MP was refused permission to enter Hong Kong last week. Unjustified restrictions on the freedom of movement for UK citizens into Hong Kong only serves to further undermine Hong Kong’s international reputation and the important people-people connections between the UK and Hong Kong.

As the Foreign Secretary has made clear, and Minister Alexander relayed in person, it would be unacceptable for any MP to be denied entry for simply expressing their views.

April 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Dr Camilla Kingdon to chair review of children’s hearing services [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 14 April 2025.

Dr Camilla Kingdon has been appointed by the Secretary of State to chair an independent review of children’s hearing services.
- Dr Camilla Kingdon has accepted a direct ministerial appointment by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
- As a consultant neonatologist and former President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), Dr Kingdon brings extensive expertise to the review
The Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, has commissioned an independent review of children’s hearing services and has appointed Dr Camilla Kingdon as its independent chair.

The review will consider:
- the NHS England response to the service failures in paediatric audiology
- how the relevant governance arrangements between NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) could be improved and identify lessons learned
- how NHS England’s handling of any future service failures in similar services could be improved and identify lessons learned
Dr Kingdon brings extensive expertise to the review. She has been a consultant neonatologist at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital for over 20 years and until March last year she was President of RCPCH. She has an MA in Medical Careers Management and was Head of the London School of Paediatrics and Child Health for 5 years from 2014.

Dr Kingdon is also the independent chair of the NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Service National Provider Network for England, tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Cass Review (the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people) in England. She has been a non-executive director on the board at Great Ormond Street Hospital since January 2025, is chair of the UK Healthy Air Coalition, a coalition of charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to tackle air pollution, and is a member of the NHS Assembly.

Background to the review

In December 2021, a report was published into service issues in paediatric audiology in NHS Lothian, which focused on whether children’s hearing tests were being conducted properly and effectively followed up.

Further issues with the diagnosis of hearing issues in newborns and children were identified in other Scottish NHS trusts in 2023. Subsequent assessment of NHS audiology services in paediatric departments across England in 2023 and 2024 identified similar problems. NHS England established the Paediatric Hearing Services Improvement Programme in 2023 to address the issues and oversee remedial action.
April 14, 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to France: Sir Thomas Drew KCMG [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 April 2025.

Sir Thomas Drew KCMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic in succession to Dame Menna Rawlings DCMG CVO. Sir Tom will take up his appointment in August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Thomas Drew

Year	Role
2020 to 2024	FCDO, Director General, Defence and Intelligence
2020 to 2024	Trustee, British Council
2016 to 2019	Islamabad, British High Commissioner
2015	McKinsey and Company, Visiting Fellow (on secondment)
2012 to 2014	FCO, Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2010 to 2012	FCO, Director, National Security
2008 to 2010	Home Office, Director, Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism
2006 to 2008	Islamabad, Political Counsellor
2004 to 2006	FCO, Europe Directorate, Head of Enlargement and South-East Europe Group
2002 to 2004	FCO, Europe Directorate, Head of Intergovernmental Conference Unit
1998 to 2002	Moscow, Second/First Secretary
1997 to 1998	Full time Russian language training
1995	Joined FCO
1993 to 1995	McKinsey and Company

April 14, 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Government steps in to back British business in changing world [April 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 April 2025.

The Chancellor announces a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing.

British businesses across the country have today been given further stability and certainty with access to new support through a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing as the world enters a new era of global trade.

The new package will give UK Export Finance (UKEF) the power to expand financing support for British businesses by £20 billion, with small businesses also able to access loans of up to £2 million through the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme.

Thousands of companies are expected to benefit from the move, including those directly affected by tariffs – with iconic British brands like Rolls Royce through to local businesses like Alicat Workboats previously benefitting from similar programmes.

Today’s boost reaffirms government’s commitment to free and open trade, and means an £80 billion boost for businesses, meaning they can access government-backed finance and support to grow their presence both domestically and overseas, create new jobs and drive economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

New measures come as prime minister goes further and faster to boost growth, working in partnership with business to deliver it.

This week alone has seen swift and decisive action from the government to protect UK businesses and workers by:
- Taking action to keep British Steel operating, saving thousands of jobs
- Increasing flexibility on the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to help British carmakers
- Cutting the red tape that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector
- Investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service
- Backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

The world is changing, which is why it is more important than ever to back our world-leading businesses and support them to navigate the challenges ahead.

Today’s announcement will do that just, with thousands of businesses right across the country set to benefit.

We are going further and faster to boost growth, but we cannot do it alone. Only by working with businesses will we achieve our Plan for Change and put more money into people’s pockets.

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:

Our message to British business is clear – we’ve got your back. This package, backed by the British Business Bank and UKEF, will be a crucial shot in the arm to exporters and small firms looking to trade around the world.

Within a changing world, we need to adapt, and as part of our Plan for Change, this Government is responding. These changes will help to boost growth support jobs and supercharge thousands of businesses across all four corners of the country.

UKEF will also offer businesses partial loan guarantees through more flexible uses of its Export Development Guarantee, helping to mitigate the impact of new tariffs and associated economic uncertainty. Of the £80 billion, up to £10 billion will be allocated to ensure that businesses significantly impacted in the short term by the current situation have access to the finance they need to grow.

The British Business Bank will also expand its Growth Guarantee Scheme by £500 million, which will provide vital finance for smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow. This scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee against loans or other types of finance, enabling lenders to support smaller businesses that would struggle to obtain financing through traditional means – and has so far enabled more than £2.1 billion of lending.

This comes on top of £1 billion of funding for British Business Bank programmes for this financial year, confirmed at Autumn Budget 2024. This includes additional support for smaller housebuilders through the ENABLE Build programme, funding for Start Up Loans and additional funding for three equity programmes supporting innovative high growth businesses

This week, the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary also took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in order to strengthen ties between the two countries. In addition to India, the UK is negotiating trade deals with partners including the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland, which will give businesses more opportunities than ever before to expand into new markets.
April 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Sarah Newton Reappointed as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 14 April 2025.

The Department of Work and Pensions has confirmed the reappointment of Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Her reappointment will run from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.

Sarah Newton has led HSE since 01 August 2020, overseeing its critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain. During her tenure, she has driven strategic improvements, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and championed HSE’s mission to protect people and places.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, RT Hon, Sir Stephen Timms said:

I am pleased to confirm Sarah Newton’s reappointment as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive. Her leadership and expertise have been invaluable in driving forward HSE’s important work. I look forward to seeing her continue to lead the organisation in ensuring high standards of health and safety across the country.

Sarah Newton said:

I am honoured to have been re-appointed Chair of HSE. It is a privilege to work with colleagues who are passionate about our mission and dedicated to protecting people and places.

This reappointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and follows an open and transparent process.

April 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : £121 million boost for quantum technology set to tackle fraud, prevent money laundering and drive growth [April 2025]
The press release issued by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 14 April 2025.

The UK government is investing £121 million in quantum technology to tackle crime, fraud, and money laundering, while reinforcing its global leadership in the field and driving economic savings.
- A new £121 million investment in quantum, a novel technology with huge potential, will bolster the UK’s world-leading research programmes.
- Developing and rolling out quantum will bring a range of benefits to working people, including improved healthcare systems and boosted energy efficiency in the grid.
- Areas such as crimefighting, tackling fraud and preventing money laundering will also benefit, putting more money in working people’s pockets and driving economic growth.
- Investment will see more opportunities to create the next generation of quantum researchers through talent and skills schemes, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.
Cutting-edge quantum technology is being put to work to deliver the government’s Plan for Change, with a new £121 million investment to help tackle challenges including crimefighting, spotting the first signs of fraud and halting money laundering which could save billions for the economy.

To coincide with World Quantum Day (Monday 14 April), the funding is being made available over the next year to expand the use of the technology, which uses the properties of the universe’s smallest particles to build ultra-powerful computers and sensors. This will further secure the UK’s position as a world-leader in quantum as part of the government’s long-term commitment to the sector.

Today’s investment is also giving the next generation of researchers to the opportunity to bring their ideas for health, cybersecurity and beyond to life. Their innovations, like quantum technologies for tackling fraud, could birth thousands of jobs and the businesses of tomorrow – supporting the Government’s economic mission and the Plan for Change.

This is the latest part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme: which sets out the long-term effort to back early-stage research, and support getting quantum technologies out of the lab and onto the marketplace. It sets the UK on the pathway to deliver its ambitious National Quantum Missions – our plan to make this tech deliver for the private and public sectors.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country – stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.

Backing our world-class quantum researchers and businesses is an important part of our Plan for Change.

The UK is home to the second largest community of quantum businesses in the world and this investment means they can go further paving the way for new quantum tools and products that make our lives easier, fuel growth, and help us tackle the great challenges of our era.

Examples of use

The technology is already being harnessed, by using quantum computing’s unique ability to analyse complex data and detect subtle patterns, to tackle fraud, one of the biggest challenges facing society, which currently costs the economy £2.6 billion each year.

Quantum specialists at HSBC bank have been working with government backed partners like the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)to find ways quantum can be used to identify the indicators of anti-money laundering. The support for the NQCC and other cutting edge facilities across the UK, that we are announcing today, is making this research possible.

This project is proof that, with strong support from the government, researchers can harness quantum technologies to benefit working people, nationwide – in this case, protecting their bank accounts from would-be fraudsters and sparing them the lost time and heartache this crime can cause.

The UK quantum sector is world-leading and home to the second largest community of quantum companies globally, behind only the US.This investment is the latest drive to deliver the government’s goal to unleash economic growth across the country as part of the Plan for Change, by leveraging the potential for breakthrough technologies like quantum to deliver new products, create new businesses, and support high-skill jobs. It builds on commitments such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will also benefit the UK’s quantum innovators.

Notes to editors:

Full breakdown of today’s investment:
- £46.1 million through Innovate UK to accelerate the deployment of quantum technology across a range of sectors, including computing, networking, PNT (position, navigation and timing) and sensing.
- £21.1 million to further the work of the National Quantum Computing Centre, including their testbed programme with Innovate UK, with support from the Quantum Software Lab to accelerate the discovery of more ways that quantum can overhaul how we work and solve problems.
- £10.9 million for the National Physical Laboratory’s (NPL) quantum measurement programme to encourage more businesses to make full use of the technology
We’re also backing the next generation of leaders in quantum research to maintain the UK’s position as a pioneering nation in quantum technologies with:

£24.6 million in funding from EPSRC for the five research hubs announced last year, including a £3 million investment into training and skills programmes.
- £15.1 million being awarded to 11 Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships, by UKRI EPSRC, to find more real-world applications for quantum, from drug discovery to disease diagnostics
- £4.3 million from Science and Technology Facilities Council to back early- career researchers and Quantum- enabled apprenticeships.
Today’s announcement includes a round up of earlier investments from ESPRC and Innovate UK, including support for the five research hubs and the Quantum Missions Pilot competition, bringing the total commitment from the UK Government over the next 12 months to £121 million.

This announcement comes as the government marks World Quantum Day, an international initiative promoting awareness of the vast capabilities of quantum science and technology. 53 countries are hosting events, from research programmes to conferences.
April 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government cuts price of everyday items and summer essentials [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 13 April 2025.

The Government has cut prices on the imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices to boost economic growth.
- Prices slashed on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over next two years
- Cheaper imports will save businesses at least £17 million per year in a further bid to kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change
- Savings could be passed onto families, mixologists and amateur gardeners through lower prices on everyday items and summer essentials
- UK committed to economic growth, business security and lower prices through free and open trade
UK businesses and consumers could benefit from lower prices on imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices as the Government takes further action to make the UK the best place to do business and kickstart economic growth.

In a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to free trade and responding to business need, the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on 89 products saving UK businesses up and down the country at least £17 million a year.

The products include plywood and plastics, which are essential for construction – making life easier for chippies all over the country.

Working in partnership with industry, the government has decided to suspend import tariffs on a whole range of products to lower costs for businesses, tariffs will now be cut to zero until July 2027.

The savings to businesses on products such as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil and pine nuts could be passed onto consumers just in time for the summer season, meaning lower food prices in supermarkets, restaurants and pubs.

Products including agave syrup, often used in margaritas, and plant bulbs will also see tariffs removed meaning keen cocktail-makers and amateur gardeners could enjoy lowered costs as the warmer weather approaches.

These changes will support key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy to compete with international rivals, supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy with the Plan for Change.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Free and open trade grows economies, lowers prices and helps businesses to sell to the world, which is why we’re cutting tariffs on a range of products.

From food to furniture, this will reduce the cost of everyday items for businesses, with savings hopefully passed onto consumers.

As we face a new era of global trade, this government is going further faster to make Britain the best country to do business, delivering on our Plan for Change. These suspensions are just another example of that.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

In a changing world we know families are anxious about the cost of living, and businesses uncertain about their future. That’s why we’ve announced lower prices on imports of everyday essentials – helping businesses to thrive and pass on savings to customers.

Through our Plan for Change we’re supporting British business and putting more money in people’s pockets.

The UK Global Tariff applies to goods entering the UK that do not qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement.

Businesses across the UK apply for temporary suspensions on a regular basis by providing evidence of the benefits to themselves, their sector and the wider economy.

CBI Europe and International Director Sean McGuire:

In the face of an uncertain and unpredictable global trading environment, government should be commended for suspending import duties on an array of products. Measures like these will be important for reducing the financial pressures on firms and help to drive growth for businesses of all sizes across the country.

The UK has already reduced tariffs on certain imported goods, benefitting British consumers with better choice, quality and prices on products like fruit juices from Peru and vacuum cleaners from Malaysia.

The Government is going further and faster in negotiating trade deals with partners including India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland which will unlock new opportunities for businesses, support jobs, and boost wages.

These measures come as the government acts swiftly to protect UK businesses and workers in a new era of global trade, through increasing flexibility on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, cutting the red tape and bureaucracy that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector, investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service and backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.
April 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government acts to save British steel production [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 April 2025.

Urgent action by the Government sees vote on emergency powers to save British steel production.
- Parliament recalled to introduce emergency powers that will allow the Government to protect the Scunthorpe site
- Unique action to gives the best chance of safeguarding steelmaking, protecting jobs, national security and supply chains.
- This strategic decision aims to secure domestic steel production for nationally important projects like airports, rail and housing and deliver growth at part of the Plan for Change.
Steelmaking is set to continue in Scunthorpe following urgent action by the UK Government on Friday 11 April.

The Prime Minister requested the recall of Parliament to vote on emergency legislation to prevent the blast furnaces being shut down.

The move will maximise the chances of securing domestic steel production – a crucial national capability which was at risk of collapse under the site’s current ownership. This is a very specific intervention taken in exceptional circumstances.

British Steel’s owners Jingye confirmed their intention to close the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe immediately, despite months of negotiations in good faith and a generous offer of co-investment from the UK government of £500 million.

If the blast furnaces were to be immediately switched off, this would put at severe risk the future of steelmaking at this unique site.

The legislation will give the Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnace running.

In the meantime, the Government has instructed the company’s UK management to continue the running of the plant to ensure the furnaces keep burning. This legislation means that anyone employed at the plant who takes steps to keep it running, against the orders of the Chinese ownership, can be reinstated if sacked for doing so.

Steel is vital for both the UK’s national security and manufacturing, and crucial for the Government’s mission to build 1.5 million new homes in the UK as part of its Plan for Change, with construction projects requiring millions of tonnes of steel.

Given global economic instability, it is crucial that manufacturing is protected at home. That’s why the Government took action earlier this week to support the car industry by easing the path to the EV mandate and deliver a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“We will always do what is necessary to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We are doing what previous governments have failed to, acting in the national interest to help secure UK steelmaking for the future.

“We negotiated with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We made a generous offer of support to the company and I am deeply disappointed that we have been forced to take these measures, but Jingye have not been forthright throughout this process, and left us no choice but to act.

“We’re in a new and changing world where it’s never been more important to support our security and build our resilience, so that we can have strength abroad and renewal at home, and that’s what this government has done.”

A Bill was voted on by MPs on Saturday 12 April to ensure continuity of production at the Scunthorpe site – avoiding the danger and cost of allowing it to stop.

Funding for the site will come from the Government’s £2.5bn steel fund, to help rebuild the industry over the next five years.

NOTES TO EDITORS
- All funding required for the site will come out of existing budgets, within the departmental spending envelope set out by the government at Spring Statement 2025.No further government borrowing is envisaged to support any intervention
- As the Chancellor and PM have made clear, the UK’s fiscal rules remain non-negotiable.
April 13, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on British Steel

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 12 April 2025.

Today, my government has stepped in to save British Steel. We are acting to protect the jobs of thousands of workers, and all options are on the table to secure the future of the industry. Delivering security and renewal for working people is at the heart of my Plan for Change.

This government is turning the page on a decade of decline, where our manufacturing heartlands were hollowed out by the previous government.

In recent weeks alone, we have announced the expansion of Heathrow airport and the building of the biggest theme park in Europe in Bedford. We are reforming our planning rules to build 1.5 million homes, and the infrastructure the nation desperately needs. New roads, railways, schools, hospitals, grids and reservoirs. British steel will be the backbone as we get Britain building once more.

This is a government of industry. That’s why we’ve secured a better deal for the workers of Port Talbot. It’s why we fought to secure the future of Harland & Wolff. It’s why we’ve pledged £200 million to Grangemouth. Our industry is the pride of our history – and I want it to be our future too.

A secure future. A Britain rebuilt with British steel, in the national interest.

April 13, 2025