The GMB Union has expressed serious concerns that the UK could be ‘woefully underprepared’ for any potential conflict if steel blast furnaces continue to close. In a communication with Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Defence, the union highlighted the strategic importance of the UK’s ability to produce steel from scratch, a capability they see as vital for national security and defence supply chains.
This fresh steel is crucial for the production of warships and other vital components of the defence industry. GMB’s concerns are amplified by the fact that the Ministry of Defence had previously intervened to secure the future of Sheffield Forgemasters, a key player in the defence manufacturing sector.
“We live in a turbulent global environment. Both NATO’s defence chief and Mr Shapps himself have warned that war in the next two decades is a possibility. Yet we are on the brink of losing our full ability to make our own steel, vital to our defence industry – not least in building warships. It’s utter folly. GMB is very clear: we must retain sovereign capability to make virgin steel.” – Matt Roberts, GMB National Officer
The GMB Union is calling for immediate action from the Defence Secretary to safeguard this crucial sovereign defence manufacturing capability. Their stance underscores the strategic significance of retaining domestic steel production, especially in light of current global uncertainties and the potential future need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Source: GMB Union
