'Nationalisation in all but name': the blame game over British Steel

Emergency Recall and Nationalisation Debate

The recall of Parliament to address the future of British Steel was unprecedented, marking the first such occasion since the Falklands War. This action was prompted by the threat of the Chinese owners of the Scunthorpe Steelworks potentially closing the blast furnaces, which would impose significant restart costs. Amidst widespread agreement on the need for nationalisation, the debate focused on various causes of Scunthorpe's issues, with MPs attributing blame to past governments and decisions about foreign ownership. The swift passing of emergency legislation showcased a rare unity in Parliament, with no opposition to the idea of nationalisation, highlighting its urgency and importance to the national interest.