Sir Keir Starmer has announced legislation will be brought forward this week to take full national ownership of British Steel .

“In Scunthorpe , we’ve been negotiating with the current owner, and a commercial sale has not been possible, and now a public interest test could be met,” the Prime Minister said.

“So, I can announce that legislation will be brought forward this week to give the government powers, subject to that public interest test, to take full national ownership of British Steel .”

A steel union welcomed the announcement. Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB National Secretary, said: “This legislation will cover the whole steel industry – it isn’t specifically for British Steel, but it is what will protect it from foreign owners.

The Prime Minister’s speech comes after a weekend of speculation about potential leadership challenges (PA)

“British Steel is a nationally strategic asset, it is right that the Government does everything in its power to secure its long-term future.

“GMB welcomes this…