UK Government Launches New Steel Council to Drive Industry Transformation
The UK Government is ramping up its plans to rebuild the UK’s steel sector with the launch of a new Steel Council. The Council brings together leaders from across the industry to advise on the development of the upcoming UK Steel Strategy.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will chair the first meeting of the Council today (7 January), alongside co-chair Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute — a globally-recognized research and innovation centre based in Teesside.
A secure future for the steel industry is vital to the UK’s national security and economic growth — both key pillars of the Government’s Plan for Change. The launch of the Steel Council represents a significant step toward safeguarding the sector for the long term.
The Council includes CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel, trade union leaders, devolved government representatives, and industry experts, working together to address sector challenges and secure a strong future for steelmaking in the UK.
Steel Council to Shape the UK Steel Strategy
The Council will meet regularly to provide vital links between industry, workers, experts, and government, ensuring that both workforce interests and economic growth are central to the new Steel Strategy.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis — this Government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term.
With the launch of the Steel Council, we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward up to £2.5 billion of investment to secure growth across the country.
Steel was a neglected industry under the previous government, but with the launch of this Council and our upcoming Strategy, we’re proving once again that we are committed to driving growth and innovation in the sector.
A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and national security, and by reflecting industry views from across the UK, we’re delivering on the Plan for Change and boosting economic stability.”
Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel, said:
“The establishment of the Steel Council marks a defining moment for the future of steelmaking in Britain. This is a crucial step towards creating a comprehensive Government Steel Strategy — one that lays the foundations for a sustainable and resilient industry.
This strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster a competitive business environment that encourages long-term investment and keeps steelmaking at the heart of the UK economy.
We are committed to collaborating with the Government, trade unions, and industry partners to turn this vision into a shared success, securing sustained growth for our sector, workforce, and communities.”
Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute, added:
“I am honoured to be asked to co-chair the Steel Council. Having worked in the global steel industry for over 40 years, I know the challenges it faces.
However, I believe the UK has all the necessary elements to attract investment: demand, skills, technology, world-class research and development, and, critically, a supportive government with up to £2.5 billion of announced support.
The Council’s task will be to develop a strategy that outlines the key investment priorities and to establish a roadmap toward a rejuvenated, competitive, and environmentally progressive steel sector.”
Steel Council Membership
The Steel Council membership includes representatives from industry, trade unions, devolved governments, and key organizations:
- Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)
- Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)
- Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation
- British Steel
- Tata Steel
- Liberty Steel
- Marcegaglia UK
- Sheffield Forgemasters
- Celsa Steel
- UK Steel
- British Metals Recycling Association
- Materials Processing Institute
- Warwick Manufacturing Group
- Community Trade Union
- GMB Trade Union
- Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Scottish Government
- Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
- Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive
The Government will work closely with the Council toward the launch of the Steel Strategy in Spring. The Council will continue to meet regularly after publication to help drive investment into UK steelmaking communities.
