Royal Navy Readies to Escort Critical Steel Shipment as Government Takes Control of British Steel

The British government is considering deploying the Royal Navy to escort vital fuel shipments to Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces following Parliament’s historic vote to seize control of British Steel, ensuring its survival amid mounting tensions with Chinese owners Jingye.

Senior government sources revealed the extraordinary maritime intervention would safeguard essential coking coal deliveries from potential interference. The strategic importance of these shipments cannot be overstated, as the furnaces at Scunthorpe face permanent shutdown without fresh supplies, effectively ending the UK’s domestic capability to produce virgin steel.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds delivered a stark assessment to Parliament during an exceptional Saturday session, revealing Jingye’s apparent unwillingness to purchase sufficient raw materials despite government support offers. The company’s demands for “hundreds of millions of pounds” without operational guarantees prompted swift legislative action.

The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, rapidly pushed through both houses, grants Reynolds unprecedented powers to direct British Steel’s operations, including the use of force if necessary to enter company premises. The legislation received cross-party support, reflecting the strategic importance of maintaining domestic steel production capabilities.

Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Scunthorpe site as Jingye executives attempted to maintain control, barricading themselves within the facility before being compelled to retreat. Local police were called to manage the situation, though no arrests were made. The incident highlighted the escalating tensions between British authorities and the Chinese ownership.

While Reynolds emphasised the intervention as a temporary measure, he acknowledged nationalisation might become “the likely option” long-term. The government’s decisive action prevents an estimated £1 billion in closure costs and preserves thousands of jobs in Britain’s industrial heartland, marking a significant shift in UK industrial policy.