Recent polling by YouGov found nearly two thirds of GB adults support the Government investing in the steel industry to support decarbonisation. This reflects a growing consensus among the public that the country needs to transition towards greener technologies and industries to reduce its impact on the environment.
But the public doesn’t just see investing in green steel as part of the move to net zero. It’s also about ensuring their country, in an increasingly uncertain world, has a secure, resilient and strong manufacturing sector.
While politicians debate the future of the UK steel industry, the public’s view is clear:
More than seven in ten GB adults would prefer the UK government to invest in UK steel to support jobs and manufacturing in the UK rather than sourcing steel from abroad, and around two thirds (67%) of GB adults think it is important to have a secure British supply of steel.
Tata Steel UK Chairman Henrik Adam said: “The UK steel industry is at a crossroads – we must decide whether to give up on steel, and in doing so lose our steel self-sufficiency and resilience as well as thousands of well-paid jobs in steel communities. Or, we take an alternative path and transform the way we make steel to make it fit for the future.
“This is a hugely exciting opportunity, which would secure steel supplies for the UK’s future, supercharge levelling up, and create well-paid, high-skilled jobs. Critically, it would play an essential part in achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions. This opportunity is Green Steel.
“The UK has a proud history of steelmaking, but we need to look forward. Britain could lead the next technological leap forward to produce Green Steel for the wind and solar farms to power us, the electric vehicles rolling off the production lines, the major infrastructure projects, and the efficient green buildings of the future.
“The public understands that having a secure supply of primary manufacturing material today is as important as it has ever been. Anyone who has witnessed supply chain shortages in recent years – from PPE and semi-conductors during the pandemic to the shortage of domestic energy production – knows the importance of building domestic resilience in essential industries.
“In a volatile and uncertain world, a strong domestic steel industry is a vital pillar of our economic independence, industrial resilience and national security. There is clear support from voters for a plan for the future where Britain leads the world in the Green Industrial Revolution, we can grasp it now or watch this great opportunity slip away.”
