Richard Tice claims ‘obsession’ with net-zero targets is ‘killing’ UK steel jobs
During a debate on steel in the Commons, DUP MP Sammy Wilson also lambasted both Labour and the Conservatives for commitments to clean energy.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has claimed both current and previous governments’ “obsession” with net zero is killing UK steel jobs.
The MP for Boston and Skegness was joined by DUP MP Sammy Wilson who lambasted both Labour and the Conservatives for commitments to clean energy.
According to UK Steel, more than 33,000 people are currently employed by Britain’s steel industry, with a further 42,000 supported in the supply chain, contributing £1.8 billion to the overall economy.
In its election manifesto Labour committed £2.5 billion to rebuild the UK’s steel industry, alongside net zero and decarbonisation targets.
During an urgent question on steel in the House of Commons, Mr Tice said: “The hypocrisy of this debate is utterly extraordinary.
“Everybody agrees that steel is of strategic national importance, and yet it is both main parties, led by the Conservatives over there, whose obsession with net zero is leading to the removal of our blast furnaces, by both British Steel and by Tata.
“That obsession is killing our steel industry. It’s killing our steel jobs, and it’s leading to the inability to produce primary steel.
