Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support the UK steel industry in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

We are committed to supporting vital industries in any EU exit scenario, including taking action to provide continuity for British businesses in trading arrangements wherever possible and establishing the Trade Remedies Authority to protect the steel sector and others from unfair trading practices. Extensive engagement has taken, and is taking, place between Government and the steel industry to communicate actions businesses can take in preparation and to explore the implications of different scenarios on the sector.

Our ambitious Industrial Strategy comprises policies to build an economy fit for the future, helping to foster a competitive environment where businesses can have the confidence to invest in UK steel manufacturing and thrive. We commissioned independent research to identify high value opportunities for UK steel, worth up to £3.8 billion a year by 2030. Through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, the Government will be supporting the transformation of our foundation industries – including steel – by providing up to £66 million, subject to industry co-funding, to develop radical new technologies and establish innovation centres of excellence.