Reform UK will table amendments during Parliament's emergency session on British Steel tomorrow, with the party planning to "force a vote on nationalisation".
MPs are being recalled on Saturday to discuss the future of the steelmaker amid mounting speculation about government intervention.
Richard Tice, Reform UK MP, confirmed the party's intentions during an appearance on GB News.
"We will be tabling some amendments, possibly at the third reading tomorrow to try and get this done tomorrow rather than drag this out," Tice told political editor Christopher Hope.
RIchard Tice has set out Reform's plan for what promises to be a dramatic day in Parliament
GB NEWS / PA
When asked if Reform's plan is to "force a vote on nationalisation", he replied: "That's our plan."
Tice urged the Labour government to take immediate action to end uncertainty for thousands of workers and their families.
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British Steel announced last year that it will close furnaces and replace them with eco-optionsGB News"Labour should remove the uncertainty for 3,000+ families in North Lincolnshire and do the job properly. They're supposed to understand the working class, there is fear and terror among these workers," he said.
The Reform UK MP called for swift nationalisation rather than prolonging the process.
"It's a great opportunity. Nationalise the industry this weekend and bring in some top quality global expertise," Tice added.
He suggested the government should act decisively during the emergency session rather than extending workers' anxiety about their future.
Richard Tice spoke to Christopher Hope on GB News
GB NEWS
Parliament will meet at 11 a.m. on Saturday, interrupting the Easter recess to discuss "legislative proposals to ensure the continued operation of British Steel blast furnaces is safeguarded".
The House of Commons issued a statement confirming the emergency session on Friday afternoon.
The government is expected to clarify details of the proposed plan.
This comes amid growing speculation that ministers might take the extraordinary step of nationalising the steelmaker to protect its operations.
Parliament will meet at 11 a.m. on Saturday, interrupting the Easter recess to discuss "legislative proposals to ensure the continued operation of British Steel blast furnaces is safeguarded".
Jingye, the Chinese company that acquired British Steel in 2020, had reportedly been resisting offers to stock the firm with raw materials needed to keep the blast furnaces operational during the consultation period.
Tice outlined specific proposals for the industry's future if nationalised.
"Look at bringing in, for example, the electric arc furnaces from Liberty Steel in Rotherham. It's a great opportunity with long term procurement contracts," he said.
Reform UK believes immediate government ownership would allow for strategic restructuring of the troubled steelmaker.
