In an unprecedented move, the UK government rushed emergency legislation through Parliament to allow them to take control of British Steel, the Chinese-owned steel manufacturer. This rapid response came after growing concerns over the company’s future, particularly regarding its financial instability.

Government officials were stationed at a Premier Inn near the Scunthorpe steelworks, anxiously awaiting the outcome of the parliamentary process. The law, designed to facilitate the government’s intervention, had passed through the necessary stages of approval in record time.

While the pace of this legislative sprint was swift, it was not without its tensions. Normally, the passage of a bill from First Reading to Royal Assent can take months, but in this case, the timeline was measured in hours. Officials and politicians, including those in Westminster, were left waiting for Royal Assent, the final formality in the legislative process where the King formally approves the bill, turning it into law.

At approximately 6:00 PM on Saturday, the Royal Assent was granted, and government officials were cleared to enter the British Steel plant. With the emergency legislation now law, they could take control of the company’s operations.

However, despite the quick actions, critics argue that this law is merely a stopgap solution, not a long-term fix for the challenges facing British Steel. The rush through Parliament signals the urgency of the situation, but many question whether this intervention will be enough to stabilize the company in the long run. As the industry faces mounting challenges, experts believe that more comprehensive solutions will be needed for sustainable recovery.

For now, though, the government’s swift action has provided some temporary relief, but it’s clear that further measures will be necessary to ensure the survival of British Steel and protect the future of the steel industry in the UK.