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The New Statesman | UK politics and culture
Beg, borrow or steel
Jan 28, 2025
Sam Alvis, Associate Director for Energy Security and Environment at IPPR, and Megan Kenyon, New Statesman's policy correspondent, dive into the plight of Scunthorpe's steelworks, the last primary steelmaking facility in the UK. They discuss the looming threat of job losses as key furnaces face closure. Alvis emphasizes the need for visionary leadership and sustainable practices while Kenyon unpacks the emotional and political stakes for the local community, revealing how national issues like Brexit impact Scunthorpe's future.
35:00
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Quick takeaways
- The closure of Scunthorpe's blast furnaces threatens over 2,500 jobs, endangering both local livelihoods and the community's economic fabric.
- The transition to electric arc furnaces is vital for cleaner steel production, but it raises concerns over job security and modernization challenges.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Steel Industry on Scunthorpe
The steel industry has deep roots in Scunthorpe, with generations of families, including Tony Gosling's, working in the trade for decades. The area once boasted multiple steelworks, with the local community shaped significantly by this industry. However, the closure of blast furnaces has raised concerns over job losses and the town's economic future, leading to a bleak outlook for over 2,500 workers who faced layoffs. Community ties are strong in Scunthorpe, as many residents directly relate to the steel industry, indicating that job losses threaten not just employment but the very fabric of local life.
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