News Business secretary tells British Steel debate nationalisation may be ‘likely option’ see More

MPs and peers are taking part in an emergency debate as the government aims to save British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant from imminent closure

The government hopes to pass a law that would allow it to “take control” of the Lincolnshire site and stop its owner from closing its blast furnaces

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds tells MPs the bill is a “proportionate and necessary step” but he does not want its powers for “longer than necessary”

The Tories say the government has made a “total pig’s breakfast” of the situation; the Lib Dems, Reform UK and Green Party say they support nationalisation

The Tories say the government has made a “total pig’s breakfast” of the situation; the Lib Dems, Reform UK and Green Party say they support nationalisation

British Steel’s Chinese owner Jingye says the plant is “no longer financially sustainable” and is losing around £700,000 a day

Almost 200 miles north of Westminster, people in Scunthorpe are keeping a close eye on the government’s statements.

Friends Jamie Morgan, 35, Ryan Middleton, 24, and Jack Evans, 25, tell the BBC what the steel plant means to them as the debate in the Commons continues.

“The works are massively important to this town,” says Jamie. Jack adds: “With the works, this town will go under. The government needs to act.”

Ryan, a recruitment consultant, warns: “There are opportunities in Scunthorpe but not enough for 2,700, which is what would be needed if the works close. I’m certain of that.”

Later today Scunthorpe United fans will march to the club’s Glanford Park stadium in a show of solidarity for the town’s steelworkers.

Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, is delivering the response for the Conservative party and quickly takes aim at the government, saying that “failure to prepare is preparing to fail”.

Griffith claims “there is no industrial strategy” under this government and warns glass, chemicals, cars and concrete are other industries at risk from high energy costs.

Griffith says the government is being “disrespectful” by asking MPs to provide them with a “blank cheque” to save British Steel – arguing that the debate could’ve been held when Parliament wasn’t in recess.