The United Kingdom and Tata Steel on Friday announced a joint investment package worth 1.25 billion pound, including a government grant of 500 million pound, for the country's largest steelworks in Wales. Dubbed as one of the "largest" UK government support packages in history, the investment at the Port Talbot would modernise production with state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking and reduce Britain's entire carbon emissions by around 1.5%.
Reacting to the development, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it "a big day for UK steel".
"We've agreed a joint 1 billion pound investment with Tata Steel to save thousands of British jobs and secure the future of the steel industry in Wales. This follows the 4 billion pound investment we secured from Tata Group in July to create 4,000 jobs," Mr Sunak posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said that this is a "historic" package of support from the government.
"It will not only protect skilled jobs in Wales but also grow the UK economy, boost growth and help ensure a successful UK steel industry," she added.
British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said that the proposal is a "landmark moment" for maintaining ongoing UK steel production, supporting sustainable economic growth, cutting emissions, and creating green jobs.
"It is right that we are ready to step in to protect this world class manufacturing industry and to support a green growth hub in South Wales," Mr Hunt said.
Commenting on the announcement, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran said that the agreement with the UK government is a "defining moment" for the future of the steel industry.
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with His Majesty's government and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in developing the proposed transition pathway for the future of sustainable steelmaking in the UK," he said.
The proposed investment will preserve significant employment and presents a great opportunity for the development of a green technology-based industrial ecosystem in South Wales, he added.
