UK defense ministry faces backlash over foreign steel choices
British defense sector gets heat for buying steel from overseas while local plants switch to eco-friendly production. Port Talbot and Scunthorpe changes raise questions about UKʼs steel independence
The UKs defense ministry faces tough questions about its steel-buying habits while local plants make big changes. Port Talbot and Scunthorpes potential blast furnace shutdowns point to growing foreign steel dependance‚ as factories switch to eco-friendly electric-arc systems
The new tech uses electric current through special furnaces - its less energy-hungry and doesnt need carbon-heavy coke (which helps with clean-air goals). The Business and Trade department notes that during Port Talbots change-over theyll need to get steel from outside for a bit
The MoD is betraying thousands of skilled steel workers up and down the country by favouring woke net zero steel from overseas
The governments choices got heat from Richard Tice who thinks net-zero plans hurt UK jobs. He says its wrong that defense doesnt buy from Tata and British Steel - the countrys main producers. The UK wants zero new carbon dioxide by 2050; but some worry this hurts local industry
A recent UK-Germany deal shows some good news: Sheffield Forgemasters will make gun barrels with British steel - first time in about 10 years. The defense ministry says they want strong local industry; but right now neither Tata nor British Steel are key defense suppliers
