UK Steel ‘Should Be Guaranteed’ In Infrastructure Projects

The government should ensure that UK steel is used in any new infrastructure projects, according to general secretary of Unite Len McCluskey.

He said that the current guidance issued by the government – which states that UK industry and the economy should benefit from significant investment in infrastructure – is not clear enough.

“The UK government must make it a priority in its industrial strategy and guarantee that UK steel is used in rail projects, such as HS2, as well as other infrastructure and defence projects,” Mr McCluskey asserted.

He added that the industry had fought “tooth and nail” to ensure it had a future within the UK’s economy and that politicians should recognise their efforts by supporting the sector.

Mr McCluskey also described the government’s decision to make steel a low priority within the industrial strategy as insulting to those who have worked so hard to save the sector in this country.

There are examples where British steel is being used in infrastructure projects around the UK. Last month 16km of rail was delivered using British-made steel as part of a revamp for the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

British Steel also revealed that there have been other orders placed for steel to upgrade rail lines elsewhere in Newcastle. The organisation is working to help companies at home and overseas develop and maintain rapid transit services, something that should benefit the UK with all the new rail lines that are in the pipeline.

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