The UK government is postponing the implementation of its steel production strategy until 2026.
The UK government has postponed the publication of the long-awaited steel production strategy for 2026, according to Callanish from a written statement from the ministry on British Steel.
In a statement, UK Industry Minister Chris MacDonald said: "The government remains committed to supporting the UK steel sector and implementing its steel production strategy. A strong position on trade is an essential element of this strategy, underpinning our approach to protecting against unfair practices and global overproduction. We are prioritizing the development of robust measures in light of the UK steel safeguards expiring in 2026 to protect our domestic sector, ensure stable import levels and engage with our partners. Therefore, we will publish our steel production strategy in early 2026."
The UK steel sector sees the strategy as vital to the industry's future, but it has been repeatedly postponed throughout 2025. During the first few months of this year, the Government established its Steel Council and began holding round tables as part of its work on a steel production strategy, as well as consultations. The report is expected to be published in spring 2025.
However, the strategy is believed to have undergone a number of changes following the government's intervention in British Steel in April and then the forced liquidation of Liberty Specialty Steels (SSUK) in August.
During a discussion of topical issues in the House of Commons on December 11, Andrew Griffith, MP, who was leading the conversation, asked: "Will the Industry minister make the Christmas present she wants and publish a steel production strategy?"
He spoke about the 18 months of lack of strategy, as well as the absence of a trade deal with the United States on steel tariffs and an agreement with the owners of British Steel.
Chris Bryant, the Minister of State for Business and Trade, replied that such a question was "a bit audacious" on the part of the Conservatives, "when they had absolutely no strategy."
He added: "We will have a steely strategy. The Undersecretary of State for Business and Trade[Chris McDonald]is negotiating with unions and industry, both manufacturers and processors, and very soon we will develop a comprehensive strategy for steel production."
Despite the delay, Gareth Stace, CEO of UK Steel, welcomed the news. "It is right that the government has announced trade measures and a plan for the sector assets it currently controls to make any strategy work.