Minister visits British Steel's Scunthorpe HQ as decarbonisation talks continue
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch hears about ÂŁ1.25 billion plan
A Government minister has visited Scunthorpe Steelworks as talks continue about the company's ÂŁ1.25 billion decarbonisation plan.
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch visited British Steel's headquarters where the overwhelming majority of Britain's rail tracks are made.
It is also where the company is proposing to build one of two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) as it undertakes the biggest transformation in its history on the road to net zero.
British Steel president and chief executive Xijun Cao said: "We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to British Steel and to reiterate the vital importance of safeguarding the future of steelmaking in this country.
"We will shortly open a new Ă‚ÂŁ10 million rail storage facility at our Scunthorpe site, and we're unique in delivering 216-metre lengths of rail for installation in Britain's railways - a service that reduces delays for rail users caused by maintenance.
"Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are under way to ensure the company's ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
"British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
"We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs."