Tag: Politics

Building a Healthier Future: The growing demand for Occupational Therapists in Edinburgh

As the mental health crisis rages throughout our nation, the Scottish Government continues  to fail to address the crucial role of occupational therapy for our forgotten citizens (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP). 

As Scotland contends with an escalating mental health crisis, it is heartbreaking to see the  Scottish Government neglect the crucial role of occupational therapy in supporting our  citizens. This oversight leaves countless individuals without the essential care they need to  overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. We must urgently address this gap and  ensure that occupational therapy receives the recognition and support it deserves. 

The shortage of occupational therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland is truly distasteful.  These professionals play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome physical, emotional,  and social challenges, allowing them to achieve their full potential. The growing demand for  occupational therapy services highlights the need for increased support and investment in this  vital field. 

Occupational therapists are essential in enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities,  mental health issues, and other barriers to daily living. Their work improves individual well being and strengthens our community by encouraging independence and resilience. 

In Edinburgh, the need for occupational therapists is particularly severe. According to the  Scottish Health Survey, more than 1 in 3 people in Scotland are affected by mental health  problems each year. Furthermore, in a report conducted by the Scottish Action for Mental  Health, over 50,000 people were admitted to hospital with mental health conditions in  2023/24. 

These statistics underscore the urgent need for more occupational therapists to provide timely  and effective care. The impact of occupational therapy extends beyond individual patients. By  helping people regain their independence and participate in daily activities, occupational  therapists contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community. 

Occupational therapists operate in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and  community centres, providing support to individuals of all ages. In Edinburgh, iThrive’s mental  health and wellbeing strategy emphasises the importance of supporting and promoting  mental health in addition to addressing mental illness. 

Occupational therapists are at the forefront of these efforts, helping to create a more inclusive  and supportive environment for all. Despite the critical role of occupational therapists, there  is a significant shortage of these professionals in Scotland. The Mental Health Inpatient Census  2022 revealed that there were 2,959 mental health, addiction, and learning disability  inpatients in NHS Scotland at the time of the census.

This represents an 11% decrease compared with the 2019 Census and a 24% decrease since  the first Census in 2014. The number of available beds for mental health, addiction, and  learning disability patients has also been consistently decreasing, with a 12% decrease in  available beds from the 2019 Census. These trends highlight the growing need for  occupational therapists to provide essential care and support to those in need. 

In a recent conversation with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, I heard about the  ongoing shortage of occupational therapists having far-reaching consequences. It leads to  longer waiting times for patients, reduced access to services, and increased pressure on  existing healthcare providers.

This delay in care can have a detrimental impact on the mental  health and well-being of young people, making it even more critical to address the shortage  of occupational therapists. We also discussed the need to expand the therapy workforce and  improve early intervention, supporting people to be economically active. 

To address this urgent need, we must prioritise the recruitment and retention of occupational  therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

This requires increased investment in education  and training programmes to ensure that we have enough qualified professionals to meet the  growing demand. Additionally, we must provide competitive salaries and benefits to attract  and retain skilled occupational therapists. By investing in these professionals, we are investing  in the future of our community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Furthermore, we must raise awareness about the importance of occupational therapy and the  critical role these professionals play in our healthcare system. Public campaigns and early  educational initiatives can help to highlight the value of occupational therapy and encourage  more individuals to pursue careers in this field. Through promoting the benefits of  occupational therapy, we can help to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system. 

The need for occupational therapists in Edinburgh and Scotland is urgent and cannot be  ignored. Here, we must value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. Let us work  together to address this critical issue and build a healthier and more inclusive future for all.

Scottish Secretary increases Scottish Government borrowing powers

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has laid the ‘The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025’ which increases the Scottish Government’s borrowing limits to a cumulative total of £3 billion for capital and £629 million for resource. 

The Scottish Government’s borrowing limits (both annual and cumulative) are uprated annually in line with inflation, as set out in the Fiscal Framework. As the cumulative limits are legislated for under the Scotland Act 1998, secondary legislation is required to make the annual changes. The annual limits are non-legislative so no legislative change is required to amend these. 

Speaking after laying the Order, Mr Murray said: “I’m very pleased to have laid this Scotland Act Order which increases the Scottish Government’s cumulative borrowing limits to a total of £3.6 billion.

“The Autumn Budget provided an additional £4.9 billion for the Scottish Government, ending austerity. These borrowing powers are on top of the Scottish Government’s record funding settlement of £47.7 billion this financial year.

“We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, and this order is a key part of our commitment to maintain the devolution settlement.”

The Order will take effect on 30 June 2025. There will be a debate in the House of Commons before then. 

The 2023 Fiscal Framework Agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments sets out the Scottish Government’s funding arrangements, including budget management tools such as borrowing powers. 

Officials in both the UK Government and the Scottish Government worked together to deliver the Order, as they do with all Scotland Act Orders.

Commitment to safeguarding democracy

Civic, faith, trade unions and political leaders commit to action

Civic, faith, trade union and political leaders have committed to taking action to safeguard Scotland’s democracy and tackle people’s feeling of being unheard and disempowered.

At a gathering of representatives from across society, the First Minister described the pledge as demonstrating a ‘strength of unity’ which reflects the democratic values felt by communities across the country. 

Today’s event saw more than 50 leaders meet in Glasgow to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system. Across the day, there were focused discussions, moderated by civic leaders, on four key themes which are contributing to a breakdown in democratic trust, including:

  • combating inequality and discrimination
  • tackling disinformation and ensuring a trusted media environment  
  • enhancing trust in politics and boosting the accountability of political leaders and democratic institutions
  • strengthening vigilance to electoral interference and encouraging more active democratic participation

Following discussions, participants considered a mission statement that seeks to provide a framework that can underpin specific actions and solutions to help tackle some of the issues identified.  

The statement reads:  

STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTING DEMOCRACY IN SCOTLAND 

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard Scotland’s democracy. 

We recognise many people in our country feel distant from politics or failed by society. They feel unheard and disempowered.  

We recognise also that much of our public discourse has become polarised and soured. 

Our starting point has been a recognition of that reality and, alongside this, a recognition also that the solutions, which will be manifold and complex, require a collective response. 

We have a shared responsibility to map a way forward for Scotland, which is why we are committed to working together to ensure that our democratic structures evolve to meet our democratic ideals and are both trusted and robust. 

There are certain fundamental principles and values that are already part of our understanding of Scottish democracy, rooted in the creation of the Scottish Parliament, that we believe should shape and guide our work. 

These are: 

Participation and openness 

The sharing of power 

Accountability 

Equal opportunity 

We stand together on these principles and values, recognising that they offer both a foundation on which to build and markers to guide this next stage of our nation’s democratic journey. 

I pledge my support. 

Speaking after the event, First Minister John Swinney said: “Our discussion was incredibly powerful and equally inspiring.

“I am grateful to the many representatives from across Scottish society who shared their honest reflections on the challenges we face, alongside their absolute determination to work together to ensure we stand up for the values and principles we hold so dear. 

“Today’s event is a pivotal moment for Scotland as we demonstrate our shared commitment to democracy but to make that a reality, we must now work at pace to ensure targeted action delivers results.

“By coming together, we have started that process, with all participants committed to developing actions that can address some of the root causes of the challenges facing our country. I pledge my government’s absolute support for that work, to ensure we leave no stone unturned in identifying solutions and empowering the disempowered who so often feel left behind. 

“We can only protect the rights of each citizen, if we protect, strengthen and renew our democratic values. By reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding democracy in Scotland, we have demonstrated a strength of unity which will guide us in our actions.” 

Following the gathering, political and civic leaders taking part in the press conference pledged their support for the statement. They are: 

  • Anas Sarwar MSP – Leader, Scottish Labour  
  • Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP – Leader, Scottish Liberal Democrats  
  • Patrick Harvie MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party  
  • Lorna Slater MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party Leader  
  • Ash Regan MSP – Alba parliamentary leader  
  • Roz Foyer – General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress 
  • Sara Thiam – Chief Executive of Prosper  

All delegates attending the gathering have been invited to take the statement to their organisation to seek agreement for pledging their support. Work will now be developed in partnership with participants to ensure actions are agreed and taken forward.  

Foysol Choudhury MSP celebrates Scotland’s first Transplant Football Team

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, calls for the celebration of Scotland’s first ever transplant football team, encouraging progression post-procedure. Scotland has made history with the formation of its first-ever transplant football team, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together individuals who have undergone organ, stem-cell, or bone marrow transplants.

The mixed-gender team, with an average age of 40, welcomes players from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where transplant recipients can connect with others who have faced similar challenges. The club’s mission extends beyond fitness—it’s about reclaiming life after a transplant, proving that recovery is not just about survival but about thriving. 

The health benefits of the club go far beyond physical activity. Jelina Berlow-Rahman, the only female player on the team, embodies the spirit of resilience. Diagnosed with kidney failure at 26, she endured four years on dialysis before receiving her transplant.

Remarkably, she built her own law firm while undergoing treatment, demonstrating the power of perseverance. Jelina shares the team’s message: “Anyone can play, for however long they want. Everyone is welcome. It’s fine to play continuously and guide one another.” 

For many transplant recipients, the journey doesn’t end with surgery—it’s a lifelong process of adapting to new challenges. The team provides a support system, helping players overcome emotional and physical hurdles that often accompany major medical procedures. Many patients struggle with mental health difficulties post-transplant, feeling isolated or uncertain about their future.

Football offers them an outlet for expression, a way to regain confidence, and a chance to honour their donors. The Scottish Transplant Football Team has already made waves in the international transplant sports community.

Despite being only six months old, the team competed in the 2025 European Transplant Football Championships, facing off against seasoned teams from across the continent. Scotland was the only mixed-gender team in the tournament, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 

The squad, founded by Duncan MacAulay, an Inverness-based fire service worker who underwent a heart transplant, has rapidly grown into a 21-player team.

Their participation in the Euros was a testament to their determination, securing an 8-1 victory over Ireland before battling against top-tier opponents like Spain and Italy. Jelina Berlow-Rahman also made history as the first woman to play for Scotland’s transplant football team at an international level. Her presence on the pitch was a powerful statement about breaking barriers and proving that transplant recipients can achieve incredible feats. 

The team’s journey is just beginning. With plans to expand recruitment, raise awareness about organ donation, and compete in the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup, Scotland’s transplant footballers are determined to inspire others and change perceptions about life after transplantation. 

Their message is clear: transplant recipients are not defined by their medical history—they are athletes, professionals, and individuals with limitless potential.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The Scottish Transplant Football Team is more than just a sports club—it’s a lifeline for players seeking physical and mental well-being, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.

“Through football, they are proving that life after a transplant is not just about survival—it’s about thriving, competing, and celebrating second chances.”

Stuart Dobbin aims for Holyrood selection

SNP Forth Ward councillor, Stuart Dobbin, has announced he has put his name forward to represent the new Edinburgh Northern constituency at the next  Scottish Parliament election  next May.

Having been living with his wife, Rosanna, in Inverleith for several years, he knows Northern Edinburgh very well. 

As a local councillor he has represented Forth Ward since 2022, and before returning to Scotland worked internationally in business for over a quarter of a century. 

As councillor, he is an active presence in the community and recognised by residents and third sector organisations as an energetic and active advocate for them. 

He is proud of the success he has had in pressuring the council to change how they respond to tenants living in damp and mould-ridden homes. It shows how he can challenge institutions to achieve outcomes, in this case, that change peoples’ lives for the better and healthier. 

Stuart said “This election is about Scotland’s place in the UK, in Europe and, ultimately, in the world.  Our country faces challenges that are of a scale radically different to those we face locally. 

“Having rid ourselves of the Tory government, we find a Labour Prime Minister who clearly treats Scotland with contempt and is doing nothing to protect our pensioners, the disabled or the workers at Grangemouth.  All promises broken.

“I bring a wealth of professional and lived experience.  I spent quarter of a century in leadership positions, living and working across Asia, engaging with commercial and government organisations and managing through some very tough times. 

“I have proven my commitment and ability to represent my constituents, with the drive and energy to affect change within institutions, with the temperament and broad professional and lived experience that would make me an effective advocate to stand up in the Scottish Parliament to represent Edinburgh Northern  and our national interests.”

Letters: The Great Labour Betrayal – From Welfare State to Warfare State

DEAR EDITOR

When Labour swept to power in 2024, they promised a “year of change” built on fairness, economic security, and real support for working people. Nine months on, millions of voters who believed in that vision are left wondering: where did that promise go?

Take the Winter Fuel Allowance. Labour pledged to protect pensioners, but instead, they’ve means-tested this vital support, stripping £300 a year from 10 million elderly households. For pensioners in Scotland, where fuel poverty is already a crisis, this is more than a broken promise, it’s a direct hit on dignity and security in retirement.

Then there’s the closure of Grangemouth Refinery, Scotland’s largest industrial site. While Labour’s manifesto talked up industrial renewal, the reality has been the loss of thousands of skilled jobs and a blow to local communities. Promised “Just Transition” funding has stalled, and the government’s silence is deafening.

Small businesses, too, are feeling the squeeze. Labour’s hike in employer National Insurance contributions, hits small shops and local employers hardest. Big chains can pass on costs, but for independent bakers and butchers, this could be the final straw. This isn’t “backing British or Scottish business”, it’s making survival harder for the backbone of our communities.

Labour has refused to tax extreme wealth or impose windfall taxes on energy giants. Meanwhile, households face rising bills, not the £300 cut Labour promised. Their much-touted energy plan has faltered, and green levies are pushing costs even higher, especially painful in Scotland’s long, cold winters.

Welfare cuts are another blow. The government’s own figures show that recent changes will push 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children into poverty. Universal Credit health payments are frozen, and support for the sick and disabled is being slashed. This is austerity by another name, and it’s hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

Perhaps most telling is Labour’s decision to pour billions into defence, aiming for the highest military spending since the Cold War, while cutting £15 billion from public services. For Scotland, where Labour refuses to devolve full fiscal powers or reverse Tory-era cuts, the sense of betrayal is acute. Many now feel Labour is more interested in appeasing the centre than standing up for the people who put them in office.

This isn’t the change we were promised. It’s a retreat into old, failed policies that deepen inequality and erode trust. The working class deserves more than slogans and spin. It’s time for Labour to remember who they serve – and for all of us to hold them to account.

We urge voters and the media to hold this government to account. The working class deserves more than empty slogans and reheated Thatcherism.

Yours sincerely,

Dhruva Kumar

Former Glasgow South MP Candidate

Depute Convenor, Media Officer, Alba Party Glasgow

Victory for For Women Scotland

UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex

Tory party leader KEMI BADENOCH has welcomed the Court verdict: “Saying “trans women are women” was never true in fact and now isn’t true in law, either.

“A victory for all of the women who faced personal abuse or lost their jobs for stating the obvious. Women are women and men are men: you cannot change your biological sex.

“The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah! Well done @ForWomenScot!”

SCOTLAND’s ALBA Party has also welcomed the judgement. ALBA Women’s Convener Kirsty Fraser said: “Since our inception, the ALBA Party have been steadfast in standing up for the sex-based rights of Women and Girls across Scotland.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Supreme Court which vindicates our longstanding position on this issue.

“Now is the time for our political leaders in Scotland to reflect on their actions over recent years and recognise that the rights of women merit some attention”

ALBA Party Depute Leader, Neale Hanvey said: “The UK Supreme Court judgement has clearly established in law the boundaries between protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act making clear that Sex in the Act pertains to biological natal sex.

“This judgement will reverberate around the world thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Marion, Trina and Susan of For Women Scotland.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government accepts today’s Supreme Court judgement. The ruling gives clarity between two relevant pieces of legislation passed at Westminster.

“We will now engage on the implications of the ruling. Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman responded on X: “Sending love and solidarity to trans people everywhere.

“We will always fight to protect human rights, dignity and respect for all people.

“We stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always.”

LABOUR’S Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: ” We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

“This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges and sports clubs.

“Single sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”

Ms Phillipson’s remarks were followed by similar comments by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who said on X this evening: “I’ve always called for the protection of single sex spaces on the basis of biological sex.

“This judgment gives clarity to women and service users about the protections in the Equality Act. The SNP Government must provide clear guidance for Scottish public services so they can implement the Equality Act properly to uphold dignity for all.”

In fact Sarwar voted IN FAVOUR of the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. The official Scottish Parliament record shows that only two Labour MSPs – Carol Mochan and Claire Baker – voted against!

NHS Fife has issued a statement following this morning’s Supreme Court ruling: “NHS Fife notes the clarity provided by today’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman.

“We will now take time to carefully consider the judgment and its implications.”

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry MP said before the judgement was announced: “Whatever way the judgement falls three extraordinary women will well and truly have cemented their right to be remembered alongside Scotland’s great feminists like Mary Burton, Elise Inglis, and Frances Wright.“

She added later: Today’s judgment is not about rolling back trans rights. It is a victory for grass roots activism because self-funding feminist and lesbian groups have fought the might of the state and won.”

Baroness Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:

Historic Motion in Scottish Parliament Tackles Hinduphobia

Ash Regan Leads Charge for Equality

In a landmark move for religious equality, Ash Regan MSP of the Alba Party has tabled Scotland’s first-ever parliamentary motion explicitly condemning Hinduphobia, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s fight against religious prejudice (writes DHRUVA KUMAR).

The motion, lodged on 8 April 2025 (S6M-17089), commends the Gandhian Peace Society’s groundbreaking report on rising discrimination against Scotland’s Hindu community and applauds the tireless efforts of its authors Dhruva Kumar, Neil Lal, Sukhi Bains, Anuranjan Jha, Ajit Trivedi driving change.

The motion, supported by MSPs across party lines, including Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, and Kevin Stewart—recognises the “alarming levels of prejudice, marginalisation, and discrimination” faced by Scottish Hindus, as documented in the Society’s report.

As previously presented to the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, the study sheds light on systemic challenges while proposing actionable solutions to foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and cultural rights protections.

Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, hailed the motion as “a vital step toward acknowledging and dismantling the barriers faced by Hindu communities.”

She said: “Scotland’s diversity is its strength, but we cannot celebrate that diversity while ignoring the voices of those harmed by prejudice. This motion isn’t just symbolic, it’s a demand for tangible change.”

Authored by Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha (trustees of the Gandhian Peace Society), Sukhi Bains, Ajit Trivedi, and special contributor Mr Neil Lal (President & Chairman of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom), the report combines rigorous data with firsthand accounts of Hinduphobia. Key contributors emphasised the urgency of their work:

Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha highlighted the report’s mission: “Gandhiji taught us that ‘non-violence’ includes combating ignorance. Our findings are a call to action for policymakers to safeguard every citizen’s right to practice their faith without fear.” 

They added: “This isn’t about division; it’s about unity. By addressing Hinduphobia, we’re building bridges across all communities.”

Neil Lal underscored the societal stakes: “When places of worship are vandalised or families face slurs, it’s not just Hindus being attacked, it’s Scotland’s values of tolerance. This report is a mirror held up to our society, urging us to do better.”

The motion has resonated deeply within Scotland’s Hindu community, long advocating for recognition of their struggles.

Author Aline Dobbie, and noted Indian diaspora leaders Acharya Dr Abhishek Joshi (a Hindu spiritual leader) Rashmi Rai, and Poonam Prajapati, struck a hopeful note: “This motion isn’t an endpoint, it’s the beginning of a journey toward mutual respect. Let it inspire global action.”

The Gandhian Peace Society’s (GPS) report has already sparked international interest, with activists in the UK, India, and beyond lauding Scotland’s proactive stance. By linking religious freedom to broader societal equity, the motion aligns with global human rights frameworks while addressing local realities.

As the motion moves through parliamentary procedures, advocates urge Scots to engage with its findings and support grassroots initiatives.

Read the Full Motion Here:

https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-17089

Read the Full Report (Hinduphobia in Scotland) Here:

Scottish Parliament Group Endorses Groundbreaking Hinduphobia

Chris McEleny, former Alba Party General Secretary, said: “In tabling this historic motion, Ash Regan and cross-party allies have not only amplified marginalised voices but also set a precedent for nations worldwide.”

Dhruva Kumar remarked: “As Scotland reckons with its commitment to inclusivity, Regan’s motion sets a precedent: religious harmony is not passive, it is fought for, legislated, and cherished.

“With global attention from the Indian diaspora and Scottish policymakers alike, this moment transcends borders, proving that justice for one community strengthens the soul of a nation.”


Tracy Gilbert MP shares government response on Syria with local Syrian Group following  constituent concerns 

Scottish Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, Tracy Gilbert, has welcomed the lifting of  sanctions on Syria. 

Tracy Gilbert MP wrote to the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, following  concerns raised by her constituent, Youssef Al Hariri. Al Hariri contacted Tracy Gilbert’s office  expressing his deep concern about the ongoing sanctions in Syria. In response, the Minister  confirmed that the UK had recently revised aspects of its Syria sanctions regime. 

As of 6 March, the UK government lifted asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities including the Central  Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies.

In a letter from the Minister for the  Middle East to Tracy Gilbert MP, he confirmed that: “On 6th March we lifted asset freezes on 24  Syrian entities that were previously used by the Assad regime to fund the oppression of the  Syrian people, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy companies. 

“These de-listings underscore our commitment to help the people of Syria rebuild their country  and economy.” 

Speaking after the meeting, Tracy Gilbert MP said: ““I was grateful to meet with members of the Syrian community here in Edinburgh and to share  the government’s response.

“While these policy changes were already underway, it’s thanks to input from constituents like Youssef Al Hariri that the UK government takes the positive  decisions to support Syria as it tries to end the decade long civil war, move on from the  oppression of the Assad regime and develop for the future.” 

Youssef Al Hariri said: “I am grateful to Tracy Gilbert for taking the time to visit our group today  and for bringing positive news. This is an important step forward by the British Government, and  it is most welcome.

“However, it is vital that this positive progression continues and at a swift  pace to avoid further instability in Syria. I look forward to working closely with Tracy and her  team as we continue to push for peace.”

UK Government secures raw materials to save British Steel

NATIONALISATION BY ANY OTHER NAME?

The Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is pushing ahead with efforts to safeguard British Steel. Today [Tuesday 15 April] he will travel up to Immingham as the raw materials that have been waiting in the dock are unloaded and transported to the site, following the government settling payment for them.

The materials – which have arrived from the US – are enough to keep the blast furnaces running for the coming weeks, with officials continuing to work at pace to get a steady pipeline of materials to keep the fire burning.

A separate ship which contains yet more coking coal is on the way to the UK from Australia. This cargo was the subject of a legal dispute between British Steel and Jingye over the weekend that has now been resolved. The materials have been paid for using existing DBT budgets.

New legislation passed last weekend, in an unprecedented move, gives Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running. It also permits the Government to do these things itself if needed. 

The government acted to protect 37,000 jobs in supply chains and ensure we can build the infrastructure needed to deliver growth which is fundamental to the Plan for Change.

On Monday, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the appointment of Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer, both with immediate effect – ensuring the right expertise is in place to keep the site running smoothly.

After intensive work over the weekend, the government has secured coke and iron ore pellets for the blast furnaces and is confident there will be enough materials to keep the furnaces burning.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will always act in the interest of working people and UK industry. Thanks to the work of those at British Steel, and in my department, we have moved decisively to secure the raw materials we need to help save British Steel.

“Our industries depend on UK steel and – thanks to our Plan for Change – demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.”