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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2016/mar/30/uk-government-steel-industry-tata-port-talbot-business-live
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| UK government to hold steel crisis meeting - live updates | UK government to hold steel crisis meeting - live updates |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 4.36pm BST | |
| 16:36 | |
| Is this the moment that the business secretary decided to cut his Australia trip short?.... | |
| Sajid Javid at Sydney dinner (New South Wales). Moments later he's ordered back to deal with jobs (in South Wales) pic.twitter.com/euFh69HPxl | |
| 4.25pm BST | |
| 16:25 | |
| Steel crisis: What the readers say | |
| Martin Belam | |
| Earlier today we asked Guardian readers to give their views on the steel crisis (here). | |
| We asked three different questions - here’s our pick of the responses... | |
| Q1: How do you think the British and Welsh governments should react to Tata Steel’s intentions? | |
| The government should intervene and purchase Tata steel - at a good negotiated price. This is not about globalization, it is about China dumping its own product. This is also a strategic sector. Allowing the Chinese to take control of the market through irregular means would place the UK in a disadvantaged position. This effort should also signal the UK’s decision to act through its own policy and also signal intent to get EU to act in defence of the sector and open-market policies: not to allow these types of market distorting behaviours. Until China and other countries act fairly, the UK should protect its industry. | |
| Name withheld, England | |
| Given that there is no way that we can compete with the global cheapness of the steel imports, I feel we should let the market take its course and let the plant go. The money we would have spent trying to save a dying industry we can reinvest in training and creating new jobs in an area where the UK is now leading the way, finance. | |
| Keith Penfold, Haywards Heath | |
| It’s all too easy to shut these plants down and put the work force out on the street. It is a financial decision for the moment but steel prices will rise and when it does the UK will have a gun to its head because foreign suppliers will know that we have not got the plants to switch back on. All of this will cost the country dear in the long term. I am just an ordinary retired working bloke but even I can see the devastating effects this will have on our great country. From a lifetime Conservative voter come on Mr Cameron, these are very special circumstances. | |
| Name withheld, Worcestershire | |
| Q2: What do you think the impact will be on communities near to the existing steel works? | |
| If steelworks are allowed to close the effect on communities will be as devastating as that of the mines closing. Communities which are dependent on one industry take decades to recover during which time health, education and welfare all suffer irreversible damage. | |
| Liz Taylor, Bristol | |
| Q3: Summarise in one sentence, if you can, what the steel industry means to you | |
| The steel industry means nothing to me personally, but as a nation we depend on having our own steel production for so many of the things we do : we cannot afford to lose the skills and plant to enable us to be independent in steel production. | |
| Andy Miles, Leicestershire | |
| Like chimney sweeps, an outdated occupation. | |
| Sean Kirby, East Yorks | |
| 4.16pm BST | |
| 16:16 | |
| Britain’s steel industry was once the envy of the world. But in recent decades, it has experienced economic problems, industrial disputes, privatisation, mergers, and relentless competition from abroad. | |
| Here’s a two-minute history: | |
| 4.05pm BST | |
| 16:05 | |
| Javid: Nationalisation isn't the solution | |
| Business secretary Sajid Javid has spoken to reporters in Australia, before leaping on a flight back to the UK. | |
| He said steel was “absolutely vital for the country”, but wasn’t convinced that nationalisation was the solution. | |
| Here’s the full statement: | |
| “I’m deeply concerned about the situation. I think it’s absolutely clear that the UK steel industry is absolutely vital for the country and we will look at all viable options to keep steel making continuing in Port Talbot. | |
| We are also very much alive to the human cost and we want to make sure no worker is left behind so where workers are affected that we are doing everything we possibly can to help them and their families.” | |
| “At this stage, given the announcement from Tata has just come out, it’s important I think we talk to them properly and understand the exact situation and we look at all viable option. | |
| I don’t think nationalisation is going to be the solution because I think everyone would want a long-term viable solution. | |
| “And if you look around Europe and elsewhere I think nationalisation is rarely the answer, particularly if you take into account the big challenges the industry faces.” | |
| Updated | |
| at 4.22pm BST | |
| 3.48pm BST | 3.48pm BST |
| 15:48 | 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 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. | 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 | 3.43pm BST |
| 15:43 | 15:43 |
| ITV’s deputy political editor Chris Ship reports that Sajid Javid’s cabinet colleagues will be pleased to see him back: | 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 | 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 BST | 3.30pm BST |
| 15:30 | 15:30 |
| UK government to hold steel crisis meeting | UK government to hold steel crisis meeting |
| Anushka Asthana | Anushka 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. | 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. | 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 | Updated |
| at 3.34pm BST | at 3.34pm BST |
| 3.18pm BST | 3.18pm BST |
| 15:18 | 15:18 |
| Sajid Javid returning to the UK | Sajid 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. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.26pm BST | at 3.26pm BST |
| 3.14pm BST | 3.14pm BST |
| 15:14 | 15:14 |
| 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 industry | Here’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. | 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: | 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. #SaveOurSteel | I will do everything I can to carry on the fight and provide any news on developments as I hear it. #SaveOurSteel |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.38pm BST | at 3.38pm BST |
| 2.54pm BST | 2.54pm BST |
| 14:54 | 14:54 |
| Jeremy Corbyn has created a petition to encourage David Cameron to recall parliament. | |
| It’s currently got 178 signatures. Sorry, make that | It’s currently got 178 signatures. Sorry, make that |
| 189 | 189 |
| , | , |
| 198, | 198, |
| 208.... | 208.... |
| I've called on @David_cameron to recall Parliament. Join me to #SaveOurSteel https://t.co/idECbvczy4 | I've called on @David_cameron to recall Parliament. Join me to #SaveOurSteel https://t.co/idECbvczy4 |
| Updated | |
| at 4.27pm BST | |
| 2.49pm BST | 2.49pm BST |
| 14:49 | 14:49 |
| Summary: Government feeling the heat over steel | Summary: 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 risk | News 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 #SaveOurSteel | MPs 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 Monday | Wales 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. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.13pm BST | at 3.13pm BST |
| 2.15pm BST | 2.15pm BST |
| 14:15 | 14:15 |
| 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 workers | Labour leader @jeremycorbyn going to Port Talbot this afternoon to show support for steel workers |
| 2.09pm BST | 2.09pm BST |
| 14:09 | 14:09 |
| 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/1b6WLdDxzO | The 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/ZhopVrPRh7 | Sebastien 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/RTTfpEv4ZE | Houses in the shadow of Port Talbot's steelworks. #tatasteel pic.twitter.com/RTTfpEv4ZE |
| 2.07pm BST | 2.07pm BST |
| 14:07 | 14:07 |
| 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? |