Sat, 12 Jul 2025

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 Trump's tariffs are looming large over the UK’s last surviving steel towns

The future of industrial towns like Scunthorpe and Port Talbot may rest on the wider fate of the UK's steel industry.
1. Decline of the steel industry: The UK's steel industry has been in decline for decades, with several major plants closing in recent years. 2. Economic challenges: Steel towns like Port Talbot and Redcar face significant economic challenges, including high levels of unemployment and poverty. 3. Romanticism around traditional jobs: Some argue that the debate around steel is too focused on preserving traditional "good jobs" in manufacturing, rather than looking to new industries for growth. 4. New opportunities: Others see potential in emerging industries like renewable energy and carbon capture, which could create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in steel towns. 5. Government support: The government has announced plans to increase spending on a steel-intensive defense industry, which could provide a boost to the sector. 6. Decarbonization drive: The UK's decarbonization efforts may also benefit the steel industry, as more investment in green energy could lead to increased demand for high-quality steel used in renewable technologies. Key quotes:
* "There's no plausible route forward which is going to have more of these kinds of jobs." - Gareth Swinney, Centre for Cities
* "The hope is we can get into this virtuous spiral" - Mr. Carruthers-Green, UK Steel The article also mentions the challenges facing steel towns, including:
* Limited formal qualifications among workers
* Difficulty in transitioning to office jobs due to cultural and skill differences
* Need for improved transport links between steel towns and city centers Overall, the article suggests that while there are challenges ahead, there are also opportunities for growth and renewal in Britain's steel industry.
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