An Open Letter on the Future of British Steel
Protecting British Steel isn’t just about saving 2,700 jobs - it’s about safeguarding the UK’s industrial sovereignty and future resilience.
On Saturday, the UK Government made the vital decision to intervene and protect British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant in a moment of extreme uncertainty. The risk of a shutdown of the two blast furnaces would represent an end to primary steel production in the country and would result in the UK being the only G7 country without this domestic capability.
Recognising the impact on 2,700 jobs and the broader implications of industrial sovereignty, Parliament was recalled for a Saturday session—its first since 1982—to pass the Steel Industry Act.
We commend the government’s swift action as we believe it is critical for safeguarding the future of the United Kingdom’s manufacturing base and national resilience at large.
Historically, manufacturing has been the backbone of the British economy. In the 1950s, the UK ranked among the world’s leading industrial powers, responsible for around 25% of global trade in manufactured goods. While the UK has successfully diversified its economic activity over the decades, that progress has come at the expense of its industrial strength.
Today, manufacturing accounts for less than 10% of GDP. Steel, however, remains foundational—not just to manufacturing, but to infrastructure, national defense, and strategic autonomy. Without a secure and domestic supply of steel, we jeopardise our ability to build, defend, and innovate independently.
Ferry, founded in the UK, exists to help British manufacturers modernise and stay competitive. We’ve worked closely with manufacturers across the country, giving them real-time decision-making support to optimise production, boost resilience, and retain their edge on the global stage. We’re a small, mission-driven team, committed to strengthening the foundation of British industry.
A strong industrial base is not just an economic asset—it is a strategic necessity. At Ferry, we are proud to stand with the government in this decisive move to protect British Steel, both to save jobs in Scunthorpe and to secure the foundation on which the entire manufacturing sector depends.
Sincerely, The Ferry Team