MP 'thrilled' over steel nationalisation law ahead of meeting with Stocksbridge works 'preferred bidder'
Unions say the new law could also work for other steel firms
Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball says she is ‘thrilled’ with Government nationalisation plans for British Steel, and is hoping to meet the preferred bidder for the steelworks in her Stocksbridge constituency.
Ministers are bringing in laws that would allow them to take over steel companies if it was in the national interest, with the plans currently focused around the Chinese-owned British Steel plant in Scunthorpe.
The company, British Steel, also has a research facility in Catcliffe, near Sheffield.
Unions say the new law could also work for other steel firms.
Ms Tidball is currently looking to meet the preferred bidder for troubled Stocksbridge and Rotherham steel sites, run by another company, Speciality Steels UK (SSUK).
She said: “I’m thrilled to see the bold and decisive move to nationalise British Steel in Scunthorpe. At a time of conflict in the Middle East, our industrial heartlands are key to rebuilding our defence capability and economic security.
“During uncertain times internationally, supporting well paid jobs across our steel communities is crucial.
“I’ve been fighting for steel in Stocksbridge from day one, and the national strategic importance of our South Yorkshire Steel Corridor. On April 15, 2026, the Official Receiver announced a five-week exclusivity period with the preferred bidder for Speciality Steels UK, and I will be meeting with the preferred bidder during this period.
“I met with steelworkers from the Stocksbridge and Rotherham SSUK sites last week, ahead of this meeting, to gather their views on what was needed to ensure that the SSUK sites can restart as quickly as possible and reach capacity.
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She said at it’s peak, Stocksbridge Speciality Steels produced 15 per cent of global aerospace and defence steel.
She added she knows the enormous amount of talent and ambition amongst its highly-skilled workforce at the plant and I was reminded of that once again at a round table event she held recently.
“I want our South Yorkshire sites to have a bright, long-term future and will continue to champion our sites with government to ensure they reach their potential once again,” she added.
SSUK was wound up in August 2025, with the Official Receiver administering the liquidation, including activity at the steelworks.