Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP today raised concerns in the House of Commons about the impact of steel import quotas on local firms during Business and Trade Questions.
Following concerns raised by local company JB Springs in Skipton, a company that relies on imported steel, Julian highlighted concerns about rising costs and the potential impact on future business operations. He emphasised that while he supports elements of the Government’s approach to supporting the UK steel sector, steel import quota and tariff changes are creating real challenges for firms dependent on overseas supply.
Julian called on the Department for Business and Trade to engage directly with affected businesses and to ensure their concerns are properly heard. He also urged Ministers to remain open-minded about the quota arrangements and to consider reviewing them.
Responding, Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant MP acknowledged the importance of engaging with industry and confirmed he would be willing to meet both Julian and the company to discuss their concerns in detail. The Minister stressed that Government action on quotas and tariffs is intended to protect the UK steel industry from unfair international competition.
You can watch Julian's question and the Minister's answer here.
Further to his question, Julian has also co-signed a letter urging the Government to reconsider or delay planned steel trade measures, warning they will harm UK manufacturing and jobs, and calling for adjustments including a delay, fairer transitional arrangements, clearer exemptions, and action on energy costs.
