😕 Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill

Commons Chamber

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The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill passed through Parliament rapidly, with no amendments despite last-minute tabling. Due to time constraints, there was no debate or vote on crucial amendments, including a proposed sunset clause, causing frustration among MPs. The Bill received Royal Assent and became law as the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025. The session ended with MPs wishing each other a good Easter before adjourning.

Summary

  • The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill was discussed in a parliamentary session, moving quickly through its stages due to time constraints.

  • The session began after 2 pm, which left no time for debating the proposed amendments to the Bill, including a suggested sunset clause that would limit the duration of the legislation.

  • Despite the request by Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar, for a vote on the sunset clause, Madam Deputy Speaker explained that amendments not debated could not be voted on separately.

  • The Bill progressed without amendments, and clauses 1 to 10 were ordered to stand as part of the Bill.

  • The Bill was read for the third time and passed by the House of Commons.

  • A message from the House of Lords confirmed their agreement to the Bill without any amendments.

  • Royal Assent was granted by His Majesty, officially turning the Bill into the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025.

  • The House was adjourned for Easter, with thanks extended to the staff for their efforts in facilitating the session.

Divisiveness

The disagreement level in the session is rated at 2 because there was only one instance of expressed disagreement, which was not debated due to time constraints. The disagreement was raised by Alex Burghart regarding the absence of a sunset clause in the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill. He expressed regret and concern over the unpreparedness of the government and the lack of opportunity to vote on amendments such as a sunset clause. This indicates a disagreement with the Bill’s current form and the process of its passing. However, the disagreement was not debated further, as explained by Madam Deputy Speaker, due to the House’s schedule. There were no other instances of disagreement or debate recorded in the transcript, which keeps the level of disagreement relatively low.