Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, has emphasized the importance of the steel sector in the UK economy ahead of an expected announcement from Tata Steel regarding the loss of around 2,500 jobs at its plant in Port Talbot. The government is also set to confirm a support package worth £500m for a new electric furnace at the plant. This decision comes as the last blast furnace is closing, leading to the job losses. Reeves highlighted the government’s commitment to working with businesses and trade unions to facilitate the transition to green steel, a crucial component in construction projects, while also prioritizing job preservation.
Meanwhile, Tories have criticized the government’s early release scheme that saw around 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales let out due to prison overcrowding. James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, labeled the mass amnesty as unnecessary, attributing the prison congestion to the government’s focus on keeping people in prison and maintaining jury trials during the Covid pandemic.
On the economic front, latest figures have shown a stagnation in growth over the summer months, with July marking the second consecutive month of flatlining. Both Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have highlighted boosting growth as a top priority, acknowledging the long-term nature of the economic challenges ahead. Reeves emphasized the government’s commitment to making foundational changes for the economy’s future stability. In light of these developments, Keir Starmer is set to face PMQs where he is likely to address questions about the means-testing of the winter fuel payment.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com