Why did British Steel need saving – and why is shutting the furnaces down such a big deal?

The future of Britain’s last major steelmaking plant is uncertain. The British Steel plant in Scunthorpe had been on course to close down by May, but urgent government intervention will keep it open – for now. Emergency legislation was passed on 12 April to bring the steelworks under effective government control. Politics latest: Follow live updates However, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has warned this does not mean the plant is guaranteed to survive. Here is everything you need to know about British Steel and why it is important that the furnaces keep burning. What is British Steel and why is…