CUMBRIAN MP PUSHES FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN THE STEEL INDUSTRY

Last week in the House of Commons, Westmorland MP Tim Farron, argued for the modernisation of the industry to preserve it whilst making it eco-friendly.

During a debate on the contribution of the steel industry to the UK economy, Tim began by recognising the potential of the steel industry to contribute in making Britain a 'sustainable economy'. He said: "Steel plays a massively significant role in our ability to extend the railways, to ensure we have the green technology to build zero-carbon homes, and to make best use of the natural resources in this country."

However, Tim also acknowledged the contributions of the steel industry to climate change. He quoted figures that the industry contributes 5% of the EU's carbon emissions and 7% of global carbon emissions.

His remarks come off the back of recent controversy in Cumbria following the decision by the Government to green light a brand-new coal mine - the first in 30 years - under the guise of supporting the UK steel industry. He said: "It is clear that 83% of the coal produced by West Cumbria Mining will be exported and not support the UK steel industry.

"Both Tata and British Steel have been clear that they have no plans to make use of that coal.

"British Steel has been clear that it is the wrong sort of coal with the wrong sulphur content, so it will be next to no use whatever to the production of steel."

Tim discussed the need to be ambitious with pushing for more sustainable methods of producing steel. Comparing the situation to Germany, a country in which steel production is much higher than the UK's, Tim spoke of the company Salzgitter who will be fossil-free within 10 years.

Tim finished his speech with the remarks: "Steel is vital to our green economy. As Britain decarbonises with new infrastructure based on steel, let us make sure that we also decarbonise the processes we use to make that steel."