British Steel’s decision to close its coking ovens in Scunthorpe at the cost of up to 260 jobs is another blow for a once-proud industry.
The sector has been struggling in the face of soaring energy costs, a lack of investment and increased competition from abroad.
Yet steel could have a prosperous future if the Government would help firms with the transition to greener forms of production.
Instead, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has undermined confidence by claiming it is “not a given” the industry will survive.
Ms Badenoch should have been lobbying Jeremy Hunt to demand more support with energy bills, helping firms secure investment to make green steel and pressing for Government contracts to use British-made steel.
Instead she has stood on the sidelines as works close and workers are made redundant.
UK steel could be used in wind turbines that power our homes, ships and submarines that keep us safe, and our transport system.
The market is there. We just need a Government which wants to support British industry.
Grow our own
Tesco is the latest major supermarket to ration sales of fruit and vegetables.
Disruption to ferry routes and poor weather in Spain and Morocco, which supply most of our tomatoes and lettuces, is being blamed.
It shows how dependent Britain is on food imports and how it would be better and greener if we grew more of our own produce.
But our farmers are struggling to compete due to post-Brexit red tape, misdirected subsidies and soaring fuel and fertiliser costs.
Until the Government recognises how vital food security is, more shelves will empty.
Picture perfect
A series of rare photos show Princess Diana and King Charles doting on a three-month-old Prince William.
They are a poignant reminder of how the lives of all families are punctuated by moments of great joy and profound sadness.
