New legislation gives Government power to bring British Steel into public ownership

New legislation to be announced in the King’s Speech on Wednesday will give government the option to bring British Steel into public ownership

  • Government to introduce legislation which would give it the option to nationalise British Steel, subject to public interest test being met.
  • Primary legislation would give Government a route to safeguard UK steelmaking capacity and avoid sudden halt of production at Scunthorpe, while it considers options for British Steel to help deliver on government’s Steel Strategy ambitions.
  • Move strengthens economic resilience and backs Government’s long‑term ambition for a resilient, modern UK steel sector.

British Steel could be back in Government hands for the first time since being sold off in 1988, thanks to powers that will be included in new legislation to be set out in the Kings Speech tomorrow.

The new powers would be subject to public interest tests, and if used to nationalise British Steel, they would boost national security while giving stability to workers at Scunthorpe, and British Steel’s suppliers and customers.

The Prime Minister announced the new legislation in a speech yesterday (Monday 11 May) where he set out his plan to boost our sovereign capabilities, protect British industry, and prioritise British jobs and industrial communities.

The Government intervened at British Steel in April 2025 under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act to ensure uninterrupted steel production and to avoid the sudden closure of the blast furnaces, which would have disrupted supply chains and risked thousands of jobs. 

Since then, the Government has been in discussions with British Steel’s owner to find a pragmatic and realistic solution for the business on acceptable terms.

It has not been possible to agree a commercial sale with the current owner, and government does not believe an agreement could be reached which would deliver acceptable value for money for taxpayers.

The Government believes introducing legislation to provide a route to public ownership is the appropriate next step, while recognising that any decision to use the powers in the Bill would be subject to the Bill’s public interest test being met. 

The public interest test considers factors including national security, maintaining critical national infrastructure and supporting the economy. 

The announcement today follows the launch of the Government’s landmark Steel Strategy in March, which set out its long‑term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector and bolster economic resilience by meeting up to 50 percent of UK steel demand domestically.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Steel is strategically important to our economy and our national resilience. That’s why we acted last year to avoid a sudden halt to production at Scunthorpe, protecting workers and the community that depend on the site, and why we’re now bringing forward legislation to give us options to protect Britain’s steelmaking capability.

“This is what an activist state looks like – taking decisions in the national interest. This Bill would allow us to take action if we need to, while we continue rebuilding our steel sector.”

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Strong domestic steel production is vital for our economy, and this legislation would allow us to ensure stability for British Steel’s workers, suppliers and customers and avoid damaging disruption to crucial supply chains, while we consider options for the site’s future.

“Revitalising our steel sector is a top priority for this government, and bringing forward this legislation would allow us to explore potential future options for British Steel. The government recognises that securing the long-term future of the UK’s steel sector relies on both public and private investment for modernisation.”

Following the Government’s intervention in April 2025, British Steel has continued operating at the Scunthorpe site, protecting steelmaking capacity and supporting jobs across the local economy and supply chain, providing reassurance and stability for the town and its workforce.

The new Bill will be formally introduced to Parliament this week. Any decision to bring British Steel into public ownership would only be taken after the Bill receives Royal Assent, and if the public interest test set out in the legislation is met.

Edinburgh Airport hikes pick-up and drop-off charges by another £2.50

COST WILL RISE TO EYE-WATERING £8.50

Changes to Edinburgh Airport’s pricing will raise pick-up and drop-off charges to £8.50 to help cover an extra £8 million business rates bill recently imposed on the terminal.

The move follows a 142% rise in business rates, meaning the airport – already the highest rates payer in the Lothians – will now pay more in business rates than the next three largest ratepayers in the region combined. This represents the largest increase in costs faced by any airport in Scotland and the UK.

It stands in stark contrast to the treatment of comparable Scottish airports, including Glasgow (+51.5%) and Prestwick (+39.1%).

As a result, Edinburgh Airport now faces difficult decisions to cover the cost and will also be forced to remove the 50% reduction for electric vehicles. This will come into effect on 18 May.

The free drop-off and pick-up area, where passengers can park for up to 30 minutes without charge, will remain in place with more spaces added. A free bus service from the free area to the terminal will also resume.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “This decision to impose an unplanned and wholly disproportionate £8 million rates increase has an immediate and negative impact on our business.

“We made this clear in correspondence with the Lothians Assessor, who set the increase, and in discussions with the Scottish Government, which has endorsed it.

“A 142% increase reduces our ability to invest, grow and compete. In practical terms, it equates to funding around 200 jobs, two aircraft stands, or five new security lanes. It is not a cost that can be absorbed; it must be covered, and trade-offs like this are unfortunately unavoidable.

“Like many across the hospitality and tourism sectors who have seen business rates soar, we have no choice but to pass part of this cost on to passengers. We had not planned to raise fees this year, but the absence of a transitional relief scheme – equivalent to that available in England and Wales – leaves us with no alternative.”

Edinburgh Airport has written to the Convenor of the Lothian Valuation Joint Board, which sets non-domestic rates, as well as the First Minister and the Public Finance Minister, to outline its concerns about the current rates process.

Mr Dewar added: “We have always accepted that, given our size, we should pay more, but the scale of this increase is simply unacceptable.

“We have made clear to both the Assessor and the Scottish Government that a system which produces such markedly different outcomes for comparable assets operating within the same national economy cannot credibly be described as fair, proportionate or fit for a modern Scotland. This systemic inconsistency lies at the heart of our concern.

“While we welcome the manifesto commitment to review the business rates system, the harm caused by the current framework is already confirmed and must be addressed. We hope a fair and meaningful review can be concluded within this parliamentary term, and we will continue to engage with Ministers, including through early discussions, to help drive that process.”

More information on the Free pick up and drop off area(Opens in a new tab).

MSPs prepare for first day of new Scottish Parliament

Oaths, affirmations and a new Presiding Officer

Newly elected MSPs will take part in their first formal meeting at the Scottish Parliament at 9.30am on Thursday 14 May.

All MSPs will start their work in the Parliament by making an oath or affirmation, which must happen before they can take part in any other parliamentary business at Holyrood.

John Swinney MSP, as leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, will be the first to be sworn in, followed by the other party leaders. Other MSPs will be called forward in alphabetical order.

This initial meeting will be chaired by current Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP.

In the afternoon MSPs will be asked to elect a new Presiding Officer, who will serve for the rest of the new parliamentary session. It is expected that two Deputy Presiding Officers will be elected later in the afternoon.

Ahead of their first meeting in the Chamber, MSPs will have taken part in the first part of an induction programme in the parliament building. The programme aims to welcome MSPs to their roles and will:

  • allow MSPs to establish a temporary office within the Parliament
  • help MSPs establish their constituency or regional offices
  • inform MSPs about what support is available to them to help their constituents
  • give MSPs information about how to take part in debates and votes in the Chamber
  • let MSPs know more about the parliamentary roles and responsibilities

Speaking ahead of the MSPs arriving at the Scottish Parliament, David McGill, the Parliament’s Clerk/Chief Executive, said: “It is great to be able to welcome new MSPs into the Parliament, where our dedicated staff team will be on hand to help them get acquainted with their roles and responsibilities.

“This Parliament’s first formal meeting, on Thursday 14 May, will be particularly significant for those performing their first duties as MSPs, and for those seeking to become Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers.

“The first sitting day has an important role in formally introducing MSPs to the public, but the election of the Presiding Officer in particular starts to set the agenda for the session ahead.”

The first sitting day will be able to be view live on the Parliament’s website.

Government in crisis as calls grow for Starmer to go

CRISIS CABINET MEETING THIS MORNING

KEIR Starmer’s future as Prime Minister is looking increasingly untenable this morning as he faces growing calls for this resignation.

Labour suffered the worst set of election results in it’s history last week and anger over the party’s performance – and Starmer’s poor decision-making in particular – has built to boiling point.

Keir Starmer came out fighting with another ‘reset’ speech yesterday but critics were unconvinced by the latest pledges and clamour for the beleaguered PM to step down have continued to grow.

It’s understood some cabinet members are among the 70+ Labour MPS who are urging Starmer to go and this morning’s cabinet meeting promises to be a particularly difficult one for a PM who is seeing support evaporating by the hour.

Labour-supporting trade unions have been calling for a change of direction for some time and some have withdrawn funding from the political party they united to form in 1900. Last Thursday’s catastrophic defeat was the final straw:

JOINT STATEMENT FROM LABOUR’s AFFILIATED UNIONS

‘Labour’s affiliated unions are deeply concerned by the Party’s catastrophic election results. They show a stark disconnect between this Labour Government and the working people and communities that it was elected to represent.

‘Voters right across the country have sent a clear message: that this Government are not delivering on the promised change they so desperately want to see. This cannot continue. Voters want to see a radical new direction from Labour, that stems the tide of division and unites workers and communities in every part of the country.

‘TULO unions are united in calling for a fundamental change of direction on economic policy and political strategy, so that Labour do what it was elected to do: govern in the interests of workers.

‘Labour must also deliver the rebalancing of power in the workplace promised in the New Deal for Working People, in full, without any carve-outs or loopholes. The stakes are too high to continue on this path.

‘Labour’s unions have a responsibility to the Party that we created, and as a result TULO have demanded a meeting with the Prime Minister and Party Leadership to discuss the urgent change in direction that we all know is needed.’

Hidden Door call for volunteers

We’ll be back on site this weekend and WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Our volunteers are busy clearing, tidying and transforming The Paper Factory.

If filling skips, painting, decorating and building stuff sounds good, get involved!

We’ll be there from 11am every Saturday and Sunday this month.

Details: https://hiddendoorarts.org/volunteer

Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, to host intimate masterclass event in Edinburgh

Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, is partnering with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy to host an intimate ‘cook along’ masterclass event for foodies and baking enthusiasts in the heart of Edinburgh on Saturday 30 May.

The youngest ever winner of The Great British Bake Off, Peter will deliver a live demonstration on how to master the French classic dessert, Croquembouche, at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy on Queen Street.

The 12 attendees will then cook along with Peter, creating an Almond, Ricotta and Strawberry Celebration Cake, learning professional techniques, tips and insider secrets to create their very own competition-worthy bake. 

Rounding off the event, delegates will sit down with Peter for an informal Q&A over a cup of tea or coffee and freshly baked goods, before taking home their finished cake. Taking place from 2pm – 5pm, the three-hour masterclass is suitable for all capabilities and costs just £140.

Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy Launch Event

Commenting on the event, Peter said: “I’m looking forward to being back in the kitchen at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and helping local bakers create their own delicious and beautiful bakes.

“Hosting an intimate event like this allows me to really engage with attendees and help them develop their skills and confidence in the kitchen, before we sit down together over a cuppa and cake for a chat.” 

Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy Launch Event

Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, executive chair at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, commented:“A great friend of Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, we’re delighted to be able to offer keen bakers the opportunity to meet with and learn directly from Peter.

“Tackling the famously tricky croquembouche, a staple challenge on the Great British Bake Off, Peter will be demonstrating the skills that won him the competition and helping delegates to pick up some tips and tricks along the way.

“At Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy we have one central mission – to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry, and events like these are just one of the ways in which we do this.”

Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) relaunched earlier this year, following 17 years as the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, with a clear mission to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry.

Based in the centre of Edinburgh, which is regarded as a vibrant food and drink destination, it brings together innovation and experience to deliver a range of professional chef courses and recreational classes and events for home chefs with an interest in mastering the kitchen. 

With only 12 spaces available for the event, tickets can be purchased online at www.efda.co.uk. 

SAS emergency responders to run Edinburgh Half Marathon for SCAA

Five emergency responders in Aberdeen will take part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff Saoirse Killian (Paramedic), Katie Ross (Paramedic), Mia Bremner (Paramedic), Lauren Dunridge (Technician) and Sophie Fraser (Technician) will run the 13.1 miles on 24 May.

SCAA operate two helicopters which supplement the two helicopters and two fixed- wing aircraft which are operated by SAS and are government funded.

Mia said: “We have all experienced first-hand the life-saving impact of the charity air ambulance, from providing vital support to ground crews to enabling a rapid response in rural areas and ensuring patients are conveyed to the most appropriate setting for definitive care.”

Criona Knight, SCAA’s Director of Development and Engagement, said: “As a charity, we work in close partnership with the experienced clinical and paramedic teams at the Scottish Ambulance Service, and we see their expertise and dedication every day.

“We are very grateful to Saoirse, Katie, Mia, Lauren and Sophie for their fundraising efforts. We will all be right behind them on Sunday 24 May, supporting them as they take on this challenge. Lives are saved across Scotland every day thanks to the teams at SAS and SCAA.

“Through this effort, they are going even further by helping to raise vital funds. On behalf of the whole team, I would like to say a huge thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line.”

Edinburgh Climate Festival: Volunteer Day and Picnic

FRIDAY 15th MAY

Calling volunteers! Help us spread the word of the festival by joining us for our big leafletting event 

 Whether you are already volunteering with the festival or if you want to just come along and help out for the day – everyone is welcome!

We will start with a quick brief together, then separate into smaller groups to cover different areas across the city and finish with a social picnic at the Edinburgh Meadows. Get to know new people and help us share the festival with more of our local community!

*Posters are printed sustainably by Out of the Blueprint in Edinburgh

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/edinburgh-climate…

#volunteer

#festival

#edinburgh

#climate

#community

#sustainability

#comms

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh refreshes Garden View Deck & Bar for summer season

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has unveiled its newly refreshed Garden View Deck & Bar, in association with Maison Pommery & Associés, offering a relaxed and elevated al fresco escape in the heart of the capital, in time for the summer season.

Located within the John Hope Gateway, the Garden View Deck & Bar will, for the first time, extend its opening hours across the summer months. The Deck & Bar is open from 12PM to 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12PM to 4:30PM on Sundays, offering the perfect weekend lunchtime escape with a view.

On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can continue enjoying the space with extended opening hours until 8PM. While the wider Gardens close at 5PM, the Deck remains open, offering panoramic views over the Living Collection in the light summer evenings.

The new evening offering invites guests to experience the Botanics at a different pace, encouraging them to linger longer and unwind in a beautiful garden setting as the sun sets. In collaboration with catering partners Heritage Portfolio, the menu has been designed for informal grazing and sharing, with a focus on seasonality and bold, summery flavours. 

Freshly prepared stone baked pizzas include classic combinations such as Margherita with tomato sugo, mozzarella and basil, and pepperoni with nduja and hot honey, as well as a vegan bianca with potato, caramelised onion and vegan mozzarella.

A selection of artisan small plates includes a cheese board for two with Stilton blue, Camembert and Arran smoked cheddar, seasonal pickles and Gordal olives and more. Just like the Gateway Cafe, the menu will be inspired by produce from the Kitchen Garden, infusing fresh, seasonal, and hyper-local ingredients into the menu. 

Dr Julia Knights, Regius Keeper at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “Today marks an important moment in an exciting new partnership between Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Maison Pommery, which brings together shared values of excellence, heritage, sustainability and cultural engagement.

“Together we are creating a premium experience that invites our visitors to enjoy nature and celebrate the Garden through a new lens, showcasing both the beauty of the Garden and its important mission to protect Earth’s fragile habitats.”

Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio commented: “We are delighted to offer a new space for Edinburgh locals and visitors to enjoy this summer, with a food and beverage offering that champions local produce while reflecting the best of the season in a relaxed, open-air setting for long summer evenings.

“The menu has been designed to be informal and shareable, encouraging guests to graze, try a little of everything and spend time together over food.”

Maison Pommery is highlighted through a selection of its emblematic cuvées, reflecting its expertise and heritage. Each Champagne precisely expresses the House style, combining finesse, freshness, and balance.

Julien Lonneux, CEO of Maison Pommery United Kingdom, adds: “At Maison Pommery, we firmly believe that excellence cannot exist without responsibility. Preserving nature means preserving the very essence of our wines and our heritage.”

The drinks offer also includes a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks chosen to complement relaxed outdoor dining. A dedicated spritz menu brings a playful, botanical focus inspired by summer evenings.

Alongside classic serves like an Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz, the bespoke Garden Party collection includes the Strawberry Meadow with strawberry and elderflower, and the Provençal Bloom with lavender and lemon.

The Garden View Deck & Bar operates on a walk in basis, offering a flexible way to visit whether guests are rounding off a day in the Garden or arriving specifically for an evening drink and something to eat. Guests can enjoy the refreshed space on weekends from May 8th.

For more information on the Garden View Deck & Bar, please visit:

https://www.rbge.org.uk/deck-bar/

Upcoming events at Lauriston Castle

Hello to all our amazing Friends and followers and people who support us.

We are celebrating 100 years of Lauriston.

You may have seen all of our facebook events appearing on your timeline.

We still have 126 fantastic events to come this year.

It would help us so much if you were able to like and share all, or even some of our events on your own facebook pages to help us spread the word.

This is a chronological list of all our events:

https://www.facebook.com/lauriston…/upcoming_hosted_events