UK seeks private investment in British Steel amid emergency intervention

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on Monday struck a tone of cautious optimism during a visit to British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, as the government looks to stabilize the site following its dramatic intervention over the weekend.

Rayner told reporters that the government was “confident in the future of British Steel” after stepping in to take control of the strategically vital plant.

The move came amid growing concerns that operations could grind to a halt due to shortages of key raw materials, including iron ore and coking coal.

More than 2,700 jobs were thought to be at risk if the blast furnaces were to cool — a process that, once begun, could lead to permanent closure.

“We’ve taken nothing off the table,” Rayner said, suggesting that while the government remains at the helm for now, it would “like to see” private investment in the plant in the long term.

“It is important for the UK to continue to make steel in this country,” she added, underlining the strategic importance of domestic steel production.

Following the government's emergency intervention, union leaders and ministers offered reassurance that fresh shipments of essential materials are now en route, buying the site some breathing room.

However, the move has sparked debate across the UK, with lawmakers from Wales and Scotland questioning why similar support had not been extended to steelworks in their regions.

Meanwhile, international tensions have bubbled to the surface.

Beijing has warned the UK against “politicizing” the situation, as the Scunthorpe site remains owned by Chinese company Jingye.

The firm has faced criticism amid allegations it failed to secure the necessary supplies to keep the furnaces running — a move some have characterized as an attempt to “sabotage” the plant.

Rayner dismissed the claims, saying there is “no evidence” of sabotage, but acknowledged that the government was forced to step in after Jingye failed to respond to support offered by the business secretary.

“We had to act in the national interest,” Rayner said, stressing that securing the steelworks was vital for both jobs and national infrastructure.