Employees and management at British Steel welcomed the Prime Minister Theresa May to its Scunthorpe site earlier today.
Management shared details about how far the business has come since its birth on 1 June last year and the plans being put in place to ensure it has a sustainable future. They also reinforced the importance of continued and easy access to the EU and international markets as well as continued access to the UK market for EU and global producers.
The business has been working closely with the Government on its modern Industrial Strategy and shared with Mrs May further thoughts about how both parties can work collectively going forward.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “It was great to meet with employees at British Steel in Scunthorpe today and hear how their work is building a bright new future for the business.
"I applaud the pride they take in their work, which was clearly evident from everyone I talked to.
"We have already provided important support for the industry and I will continue to ensure the success of UK steel is at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy.”
British Steel Executive Chairman Roland Junck said: “We’ve developed a vision that has 3 elements – firstly, we want to become a leader of business and community re-development in the areas in which we operate.
“Secondly, nationally we want to be the national champion in our chosen markets and recognised as the centre of competence for steel. And thirdly, internationally we want to be a competitive exporter and the right strategic business partner.
“We told the Prime Minister today that while we have already come a long way, we still have more to do to become sustainable and our vision strongly depends on how we can work collectively with the Government to make sure UK industry and UK manufacturing, is successful.”
The Prime Minister also spent time with employees who work at the business’s Rail and Section Mill. They talked about how the business is changing, discussed their thoughts on the future of the steel industry and how the Government has a big part to play in this.
Roland said: “I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for visiting today. I’m delighted she met some of our team in their workplace and heard first-hand how they’ve helped turn our business around. Our employees have been fundamental to our success – along with our union colleagues, they’ve all played a huge role and continue to play a huge role in the turnaround of British Steel.
“We’ve been able to show Mrs May how a business that in the eyes of many, even recently, was condemned to disappear has started to become a respected member of the steel and industrial community. I’m looking forward to continuing to work together with the next Government as we take the UK and the British steel industry forward.”