‘Save Steel, Buy British’: Major campaign launched to back UK steel industry
The ‘Save Steel, Buy British’ campaign calls on companies, public bodies, and project leaders to sign a pledge committing to the use of UK-made steel
Community, the steelworkers' union, and British Steel have jointly launched a national campaign urging UK industry to back homegrown steel in a bid to secure the future of the country’s steel sector, workforce, and economic resilience.
The ‘Save Steel, Buy British’ campaign, unveiled today, calls on companies, public bodies, and project leaders to sign a pledge committing to the use of UK-made steel in national infrastructure and procurement projects.
The campaign comes as the UK steel industry faces some of its most significant challenges in a generation, with increasing global competition, energy costs, and economic pressures putting thousands of skilled jobs at risk.
British-made steel remains at the core of the UK’s infrastructure — powering transport systems, reinforcing energy grids, and supporting defence capabilities.
Iconic projects such as Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and Alexander Stadium were built using British steel, underscoring the sector’s importance in maintaining national resilience.
“Steel is a vital strategic industry which powers local economies and underpins the UK's national security,” said Alasdair McDiarmid, Assistant General Secretary of Community.
“You can't build a greener, fairer economy without a resilient steel industry and the thousands of skilled jobs it supports in communities across the country.”
The UK steel industry contributes an estimated £1.7 billion to the economy annually, with an additional £2.2 billion through supply chains. Every tonne of British steel supports growth, jobs, and industrial sovereignty, according to campaign organisers.
While the Government has intervened over the past year to stabilise parts of the steel sector, campaign leaders argue that it is now time for industry to step up.
The pledge asks UK-based businesses and contractors — particularly those involved in infrastructure, construction, defence, and energy projects — to commit to sourcing steel domestically wherever possible.
“By backing UK-made steel, businesses are helping safeguard jobs, skills and local communities,” said Allan Bell, Interim Chief Executive of British Steel.
“This campaign is about ensuring our industry thrives and continues to provide the strength and security the country relies on.”
British producers are highlighting the quality, dependability, and speed of UK-made steel, with delivery times to UK projects in as little as three days — a key advantage over imported alternatives.
The campaign also emphasises the social and environmental value of domestic steel procurement. With many UK steelmakers investing in greener production methods, choosing British-made steel helps reduce carbon emissions linked to international shipping and supports the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
“Saving steel means backing skilled jobs, strong communities and secure supply chains,” the campaign statement reads.
“With the right support, the UK steel industry can deliver a future where sustainability and social value go hand in hand.”
Community and British Steel are now encouraging all organisations involved in the commissioning and construction of public and private sector projects to join the campaign and sign the pledge, committing to Buy British and secure the future of this essential national industry.