When Jonathan Reynolds announced sweeping tariffs this summer to shield Britain’s steelmakers from a flood of cheap imports, the reaction seemed almost universally positive.
“This government is unapologetic in our support for the UK steel sector,” declared Reynolds, then business secretary, promising to defend a “vital industry that underpins Britain’s industrial strength and national security.”
Gareth Stace, director-general of the industry body UK Steel, hailed it as “a tremendous outcome” that would stop foreign producers from “swamping the UK and driving our steel manufacturers out of business.”
But behind the scenes, the glow of unity quickly dimmed. Letters, emails and board minutes seen by The Sunday Times reveal an industry at war with itself — with primary steelmakers and smaller manufacturers accusing one another of self-interest as tariffs reshape Britain’s metal economy.
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