Steel bosses will confront a top Tory Minister over the Government’s commitment to the British industry after the foreign metal was used in a string of bumper military deals.

Executives from trade body UK Steel will hold a September 20 showdown with Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin amid mounting anger at British products being snubbed for the Royal Navy’s latest warships.

The Tories’ National Shipbuilding Strategy, published today, outlined plans for building five Type 31e frigates to boost the Fleet.

But, as the Mirror exclusively revealed, it failed to offer guarantees that British steel would be used.

Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, whose constituency includes Britain’s biggest steelworks, Port Talbot, said: “This month’s meeting will be an important test for the Government – are they going to pursue a patriotic procurement policy, as Labour steel MPs, the steel industry and workforce have been urging, or are they going to continue to hand out substantial Ministry of Defence contracts to foreign competitors?

                                                             “The Tories’ National Shipbuilding Strategy offers, absolutely no guarantees on the use of British steel.

“Tory promises to use British steel ‘when practical’ is pathetic, particularly given their appalling record when it comes to British steel.

 “So while this news is shocking, it is, sadly, not in the least bit surprising because it falls into a pattern of behavior from this Government.”

GMB union national officer Ross Murdoch said: “The lack of any guarantees to use only British steel in these builds is another missed opportunity by this Government to give this industry the long term security it needs.”

Unveiling the blueprint in the Commons, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon confirmed the Government could opt to import foreign steel if it was cheaper.

He said: “Where possible we want to see greater use of British steel. But of course, we must also be alive to achieve the best value for the taxpayer.”

The Tory Minister also insisted some specialist metal was only available overseas – despite UK firms insisting they can provide the products if they are given enough notice.

Labour backbencher Stephen Hepburn asked Sir Michael: “Why don’t you insist that British steel and components are used where possible to create jobs and also to fly the flag for Britain?”

 

Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffith urged the top Tory to examine how supply chain orders benefit local communities when awarding contracts.