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Steel crisis: Sajid Javid flying back from Australia after criticism - live updates UK government to hold steel crisis meeting - live updates
(35 minutes later)
3.48pm BST
15:48
The government says it has no plans to recall parliament to discuss the steel crisis, despite Jeremy Corbyn’s request earlier today.
The petition to recall MPs back from their holidays has already attracted 5,000 signatures in the first hour. You can sign here.
3.43pm BST
15:43
ITV’s deputy political editor Chris Ship reports that Sajid Javid’s cabinet colleagues will be pleased to see him back:
Cabinet Minister said to me earlier (in less polite terms than these) "Sajid Javid should get his rear end" back to the UK
3.30pm BST3.30pm BST
15:3015:30
UK government to hold steel crisis meetingUK government to hold steel crisis meeting
Anushka AsthanaAnushka Asthana
Sajid Javid - the business secretary - is on his way home from Australia to tackle the crisis, while David Cameron is also returning from a holiday in Lanzarote.Sajid Javid - the business secretary - is on his way home from Australia to tackle the crisis, while David Cameron is also returning from a holiday in Lanzarote.
Downing Street sources said the prime minister was always due to fly home today, but he is now expected to meet with ministers tomorrow for an emergency meeting to discuss the Tata Steel decision.Downing Street sources said the prime minister was always due to fly home today, but he is now expected to meet with ministers tomorrow for an emergency meeting to discuss the Tata Steel decision.
After that, he will head to Washington DC for the Nuclear Security Summit. Javid has been forced to cut short a trip during which he was going to attend a meeting on cyber security tomorrow. After that, he will head to Washington DC for the Nuclear Security Summit.
Javid has been forced to cut short a trip to Australia, during which he was going to attend a meeting on cyber security tomorrow.
Updated
at 3.34pm BST
3.18pm BST3.18pm BST
15:1815:18
Sajid Javid returning to the UKSajid Javid returning to the UK
Newsflash: Business secretary Sajid Javid is abandoning his trip to Australia to help tackle the steel crisis.Newsflash: Business secretary Sajid Javid is abandoning his trip to Australia to help tackle the steel crisis.
The Press Association explains:The Press Association explains:
Business Secretary Sajid Javid is cutting short his trip to Australia and returning to the UK because of the steel crisis, his office has said.Business Secretary Sajid Javid is cutting short his trip to Australia and returning to the UK because of the steel crisis, his office has said.
This follows the criticism from Labour that he left the country when the crisis over steel industry was unfolding.This follows the criticism from Labour that he left the country when the crisis over steel industry was unfolding.
Tom Newton Dunn of The Sun reckons it’s a sensible decision:Tom Newton Dunn of The Sun reckons it’s a sensible decision:
Sajid Javid has now decided to rip up his Australian tour, fly back to the UK, and go straight to Port Talbot. Sense has prevailed.Sajid Javid has now decided to rip up his Australian tour, fly back to the UK, and go straight to Port Talbot. Sense has prevailed.
Javid was due to address a business lunch tomorrow, but is now facing a long flight home...Javid was due to address a business lunch tomorrow, but is now facing a long flight home...
Would watch a short sitcom of Sajid Javid spending 21 hours on a plane to Australia, spending basically no time there & having to fly back.Would watch a short sitcom of Sajid Javid spending 21 hours on a plane to Australia, spending basically no time there & having to fly back.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.26pm BSTat 3.26pm BST
3.14pm BST3.14pm BST
15:1415:14
The steel crisis has lead to the surprising sight of Conservative MPs supporting state ownership of the industry.The steel crisis has lead to the surprising sight of Conservative MPs supporting state ownership of the industry.
Asked about nationalisation, David Davies, who chairs the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, said “I’m not against that idea at all”.Asked about nationalisation, David Davies, who chairs the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, said “I’m not against that idea at all”.
He told Radio 4’s World At One that:He told Radio 4’s World At One that:
We do need to have a viable steel industry in this country. It’s very important from a defence point of view.We do need to have a viable steel industry in this country. It’s very important from a defence point of view.
Here’s the clip: Tory MP ‘not against’ nationalising UK steel industryHere’s the clip: Tory MP ‘not against’ nationalising UK steel industry
Tom Pursglove, Tory MP for Corby, is also backing the “save our Steel” campaign - given there is a Tata plant in his constituency. Tom Pursglove, Tory MP for Corby, is also backing the “save our Steel” campaign.
There is a Tata plant in his constituency, and Pursglove is arguing that all option should be considered:
All the options should be on the table, and working with colleagues, I will do everything I can to aid discussions.All the options should be on the table, and working with colleagues, I will do everything I can to aid discussions.
We simply can't afford to lose our steel industry - for national security, but also the jobs it provides.We simply can't afford to lose our steel industry - for national security, but also the jobs it provides.
I will do everything I can to carry on the fight and provide any news on developments as I hear it. #SaveOurSteelI will do everything I can to carry on the fight and provide any news on developments as I hear it. #SaveOurSteel
Updated
at 3.38pm BST
2.54pm BST2.54pm BST
14:5414:54
A petition has now been created to encourage David Cameron to recall parliament.A petition has now been created to encourage David Cameron to recall parliament.
It’s currently got 178 signatures. Sorry, make thatIt’s currently got 178 signatures. Sorry, make that
189189
,,
198,198,
208.... 208....
I've called on @David_cameron to recall Parliament. Join me to #SaveOurSteel https://t.co/idECbvczy4I've called on @David_cameron to recall Parliament. Join me to #SaveOurSteel https://t.co/idECbvczy4
2.49pm BST2.49pm BST
14:4914:49
Summary: Government feeling the heat over steelSummary: Government feeling the heat over steel
The UK government is under mounting pressure to help the British steel industry, after Indian conglomerate Tata announced plans to sell its operations across the country.The UK government is under mounting pressure to help the British steel industry, after Indian conglomerate Tata announced plans to sell its operations across the country.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has demanded that parliament is recalled from its Easter break. He accused the government of being “in disarray”, and urged David Cameron to convene an urgent meeting on the issue.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has demanded that parliament is recalled from its Easter break. He accused the government of being “in disarray”, and urged David Cameron to convene an urgent meeting on the issue.
Corbyn declared:Corbyn declared:
Ministers must act now to protect the steel industry, which is at the heart of manufacturing in Britain and vital to its future.”Ministers must act now to protect the steel industry, which is at the heart of manufacturing in Britain and vital to its future.”
Corbyn has now cut his own holiday, in Devon, short, to head to South Wales - apparently tweeting on his way:Corbyn has now cut his own holiday, in Devon, short, to head to South Wales - apparently tweeting on his way:
News that Tata is preparing to pull out of steelmaking puts thousands of jobs across the country & a strategic UK-wide industry at riskNews that Tata is preparing to pull out of steelmaking puts thousands of jobs across the country & a strategic UK-wide industry at risk
MPs must have the chance now to debate the future of steel and hold ministers to account for their failure to intervene #SaveOurSteelMPs must have the chance now to debate the future of steel and hold ministers to account for their failure to intervene #SaveOurSteel
Wales first minister, Carwyn Jones, has put the wheels in motion to recall the Welsh Assembly next MondayWales first minister, Carwyn Jones, has put the wheels in motion to recall the Welsh Assembly next Monday
Government minister Anna Soubry has insisted that the government is committed to British steel, and will consider all options. Speaking on Radio 4, Soubry appeared to suggest that partial nationalisation is an option, if Tata’s UK sites can be sold to another company.Government minister Anna Soubry has insisted that the government is committed to British steel, and will consider all options. Speaking on Radio 4, Soubry appeared to suggest that partial nationalisation is an option, if Tata’s UK sites can be sold to another company.
Soubry also pleaded with Tata to give Britain time to find a buyer for Tata’s sites, including at Port Talbot, Rotherham, and Scunthorpe.Soubry also pleaded with Tata to give Britain time to find a buyer for Tata’s sites, including at Port Talbot, Rotherham, and Scunthorpe.
She said:She said:
“That is our priority, to look for a buyer. But we are being realistic about the state of the industry.”“That is our priority, to look for a buyer. But we are being realistic about the state of the industry.”
Downing Street insiders have told us that financial support is possible, but full nationalisation is not on the table.Downing Street insiders have told us that financial support is possible, but full nationalisation is not on the table.
Business secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised for flying to Australia for an official trip. Shadow minister John Healey has called on Javid to head home, but the government insists Javid is in full control.Business secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised for flying to Australia for an official trip. Shadow minister John Healey has called on Javid to head home, but the government insists Javid is in full control.
The IPPR think tank has warned that 40,000 jobs are at stake - 15,000 at Tata, and another 25,000 in the supply chain.The IPPR think tank has warned that 40,000 jobs are at stake - 15,000 at Tata, and another 25,000 in the supply chain.
Several unions have urged the government to consider partial nationalisation. And the British Chambers of Commerce has also weighed in, saying everything possible should be done.Several unions have urged the government to consider partial nationalisation. And the British Chambers of Commerce has also weighed in, saying everything possible should be done.
Stephen Kinnock, the Labour MP for Port Talbot, has revealed that Tata’s top management were frustrated with the UK government. He told The Guardian that Britain had “rolled out the red carpet” to Beijing, rather than clamping down on cheap steel imports.Stephen Kinnock, the Labour MP for Port Talbot, has revealed that Tata’s top management were frustrated with the UK government. He told The Guardian that Britain had “rolled out the red carpet” to Beijing, rather than clamping down on cheap steel imports.
The steel crisis is also threatening to merge with another political hot potato, the EU referendum. Brexit campaigners are blaming Brussels for imposing too many regulations on the steel industry, and for helping Chinese steel makers to undercut British slab makers.The steel crisis is also threatening to merge with another political hot potato, the EU referendum. Brexit campaigners are blaming Brussels for imposing too many regulations on the steel industry, and for helping Chinese steel makers to undercut British slab makers.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.13pm BSTat 3.13pm BST
2.15pm BST2.15pm BST
14:1514:15
Attention, Port Talbot. Jeremy Corbyn is heading your way...Attention, Port Talbot. Jeremy Corbyn is heading your way...
Labour leader @jeremycorbyn going to Port Talbot this afternoon to show support for steel workersLabour leader @jeremycorbyn going to Port Talbot this afternoon to show support for steel workers
2.09pm BST2.09pm BST
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Ben Wright of the Press Association is tweeting the scene at Port Talbot - from the media circus to the homes of worried steel workers:Ben Wright of the Press Association is tweeting the scene at Port Talbot - from the media circus to the homes of worried steel workers:
The media presence outside #tatasteel plant in Port Talbot. pic.twitter.com/1b6WLdDxzOThe media presence outside #tatasteel plant in Port Talbot. pic.twitter.com/1b6WLdDxzO
Sebastien Boyesen’s sculpture, Mortal Coil, commemorating the steel industry in Port Talbot #tatasteel pic.twitter.com/ZhopVrPRh7Sebastien Boyesen’s sculpture, Mortal Coil, commemorating the steel industry in Port Talbot #tatasteel pic.twitter.com/ZhopVrPRh7
Houses in the shadow of Port Talbot's steelworks. #tatasteel pic.twitter.com/RTTfpEv4ZEHouses in the shadow of Port Talbot's steelworks. #tatasteel pic.twitter.com/RTTfpEv4ZE
2.07pm BST2.07pm BST
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My colleague Graham Ruddick has analysed the crisis facing the steel industry, and explained why it can’t all be blamed on Europe:My colleague Graham Ruddick has analysed the crisis facing the steel industry, and explained why it can’t all be blamed on Europe:
Related: Would Brexit help Britain’s steel industry?Related: Would Brexit help Britain’s steel industry?
2.06pm BST
14:06
Would Brexit really help the steel industry, as campaigners are claiming?
One counter-argument is that UK industry would find it harder to sell products to the continent if Britain left the EU, especially if punitive tariffs were imposed. That weaker demand could feed through to the steel industry.
And although Brexit would allow Britain to slap much higher tariffs on cheap Chinese steel, that might not be a brilliant negotiating strategy if you’re trying to charm Beijing into a new trade deal.....
1.55pm BST
13:55
Here’s another sign that Brexit campaigners believe the steel crisis helps their case:
USA imposes a 266% tariff on cheap steel allowing its own industry to thriveThe benefit of being a sovereign nation pic.twitter.com/eMIaflUgeI
1.45pm BST
13:45
Labour MP, and Brexit campaigner, Kate Hoey has blamed Brussels for the plight of the UK steel industry.
She writes:
“The EU’s regulations on energy production are killing our steel industry. It is impossible for the UK to compete with non-EU countries like the US, where electricity costs half the price, and Norway, where energy is 25% of the UK price. They unlike us are free from dogmatic, ineffective rules on energy sources.
She also criticises the EU for allowing China to “dump cheap steel on European countries”.
(Although as we pointed out earlier, Britain actually blocked attempts to raise tariffs on Chinese steel).
Hoey also singles out the EU ban on state aid:
“The European Union also ties the UK’s hands on state aid, preventing us from temporarily nationalising the industry under their inflexible single market competition rules. This would allow Port Talbot to ride out the storm until steel prices recover and a new buyer is found.
(Reminder: EU rules ban countries from propping up failing companies, but do allow support to boost competitiveness)
1.37pm BST
13:37
Jeremy Corbyn has now tweeted a photo of his letter calling for MPs to be recalled to Westminster.
No response from @David_Cameron yet....
My letter to Cameron pressing for the recall of Parliament to debate the threat to the steel industry #SaveOurSteel pic.twitter.com/7xZ7oE4Jsq
1.23pm BST
13:23
My colleague Nazia Parveen is meeting with Tata steel workers in Rotherham.
They have told her they are desperately worried about their jobs, and urged the government to help. Workers are also unhappy that Chinese steel is being imported and used for local projects, rather than steel milled in the area.
Nazia has also met with people who were laid off by Tata recently:
Rotherham steel workers say they are 'devastated' and have lost their jobs for life.
Senior union rep Stuart Samsome made redundant after almost 40 years at Tata steel-he said it was 'heart-breaking' pic.twitter.com/ztp0QSdQCC
Samsome said over the years the Rotherham Tata steel plant had been run into the ground
Steel for the Forth Bridge imported from China rather than getting it from 30miles down the rd from Rotherham, claim workers at Tata
1.11pm BST
13:11
As well as recalling parliament, Jeremy Corbyn is asking David Cameron to convene a meeting of all interested parties to discuss the steel crisis.
That would include government, unions, and industry groups.
The Labour leaders also says that state ownership should be considered:
“If necessary ministers must be prepared to use their powers to take a public stake in steel-making to protect the industry and British manufacturing. The Government must do whatever it takes to save this strategic industry.”
1.08pm BST
13:08
1.00pm BST
13:00
Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, tweets that the business secretary must ‘get a grip’ of the steel crisis.
The UK requires a secure steel production capacity. That's why @jeremycorbyn has demanded a recall of Parliament. Get a grip @sajidjavid.
12.46pm BST
12:46
Anushka Asthana
Sajid Javid spoke to Tata Steel chair Cyrus Mistry this morning, we hear.
The business secretary is “monitoring the situation closely and getting regular updates” despite being in Australia, according to a government source.
12.43pm BST
12:43
The IPPR think tank has calculated that at least 40,000 jobs are at risk across the steel industry, and in industries that rely on it.
That includes 15,000 employed by Tata Steel in the UK, and 25,000 jobs in the supply chain -- at manufacturers and suppliers of iron, coke, petroleum, and machinery used at steel works.