Pressure mounts on Downing Street to block China from UK industries

Raw materials secured for crucial Scunthorpe British Steel works

Despite the recent British Steel fiasco in Scunthorpe, Downing Street is facing pressure to prevent China from accessing essential UK industries. PM's spokesperson refused to rule out another Chinese owner taking over the furnaces, even as Angela Rayner expressed confidence in the Government's ability to keep the furnaces operational.

Warning from Xi Jinping's government

Xi Jinping's government has cautioned against politicizing trade cooperation or linking it to security issues. The UK has secured the raw materials necessary to run the Lincolnshire plant and is set to transport them to the site.

Calls for urgent review of Chinese influence in UK infrastructure

The saga surrounding the Scunthorpe British Steel works has prompted calls for a review of Chinese involvement in critical UK infrastructure, including the National Grid, Heathrow Airport, and Thames Water. Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith called for a complete removal of Chinese influence from British Steel, criticizing the UK's lack of action on China.

Denial and reassurance from Downing Street

Despite concerns, Downing Street denied that PM Sir Keir Starmer's Net Zero drive had left Britain vulnerable. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's decision to block a coal mine opening in Cumbria has led to a new shipment of coal from Australia heading to the UK.