Motion 12
Support UK Steel and Our Domestic Defence Steel Capacity 
“That this Congress believes the UK needs a strong steel industry for a prosperous and resilient economy, to deliver net zero, for our national security, and to safeguard high quality jobs in places that really need them.
“Congress notes that regrettably, we have no capability in the UK to roll the steel plates required for manufacturing nuclear submarines, as when the Dalzell and Clydebridge plants in Lanarkshire shut, the country lost its only remaining quench and tempering steel plant capable of producing the specialised NQ1 steel plate required by Barrow to manufacture the subs. 
“Congress believes apathy and a lack of foresight by the UK Government have meant the manufacture of base material for new nuclear submarines must now be sourced outside the UK and it is not possible for all defence material to be made in the UK.
“Congress notes the UK supply chain has been supplying the T26 ships, although plate demand has fallen significantly in the past few years, with plates coming in from outside the UK.
“Congress notes a recent FOI by Community which found that UK ministers did not insist that UK-manufactured steel must be used in the construction of three Fleet Solid Support ships worth £1.6billion.
“Congress believes the domestic defence steel capacity should be recognised as a ‘strategic asset’ to be supported and utilised with relevant contractual obligations on third-party companies where necessary.
“Congress calls on the General Council to:
- call on the Scottish Government to work in partnership with industry and Community to support the future of the steelmaking, decarbonise the steel sector and reduce risk to national security; and
- champion the UK steel industry as a national asset that is vital to protect our defence steel capacity and back our steel for shipbuilding at Liberty Dalzell, or risk losing it for good like our submarines.”
Mover: Community
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