December 2025

Luke Myer MP has met with senior Member of the European Parliament Mohammed Chahim MEP to discuss the future of steel, EU trade measures and the growing pressure facing UK producers as the EU tightens its approach to steel imports and carbon pricing. Mr Chahim has played a leading role in the European Parliament’s work on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and is a key figure within the EU’s Socialists & Democrats group.

Mr Myer and Mr Chahim discussed the need for cooperation – ensuring that action to tackle global overcapacity and reduce emissions does not unfairly damage UK steelmakers or disrupt long-standing trade between Britain and Europe. The discussion built on earlier engagement between them on cross-border cooperation in heavy industry and the transition to green steel.

The meeting comes at a challenging moment for the UK steel industry. The European Commission has proposed major changes to EU steel safeguards, including sharply reduced tariff-free import quotas and higher tariffs above those limits. At the same time, the EU’s carbon border tax is entering force next year, ahead of the UK’s own scheme, raising the risk that steel diverted from the EU market could undercut domestic producers in Britain. The UK Government is engaging with the EU to protect UK steel, seeking a bilateral solution while reserving the right to take trade defence action if necessary.

For the UK, this sits alongside a wider effort to rebuild steelmaking after years of decline. Since taking office, the Labour Government has taken control of British Steel to maintain blast furnace operations, overhauled procurement rules to prioritise UK steel, committed major public investment in greener steel production, and is preparing a full Steel Strategy to set a long-term direction for the sector. Ministers have repeatedly stated that steel is foundational to the UK’s defence, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing base.

In Parliament, Luke has consistently pressed ministers to act with urgency and clarity. Speaking during recent legislation on industrial support, he warned:

“For industries such as steel, which are foundational to our defence, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, an active state is a necessity. The steel industry still needs a full steel strategy as well as clarity from the Government about their response to the current global trading environment.”

He has also questioned ministers directly on whether UK steel quotas agreed at the May UK-EU Summit will be protected (4 December).

The meeting follows commitments made at the Summit earlier this year to reset relations with the European Union, including specific undertakings on steel and closer cooperation on carbon markets. For Luke, that reset must deliver real protection for British industry and steel communities.

Luke Myer MP said:

“This is a defining moment for steel. Decisions being taken now – in Westminster and in Brussels – will shape whether we secure a future for British steelmaking or repeat the mistakes of the past. I will keep fighting to defend jobs, back domestic production, and ensure the transition to cleaner steel strengthens our industrial base rather than hollowing it out.”