Firms like Liberty Steel are at risk from government procurement policy. It manufactures speciality steels at Aldwarke, Yorkshire and other sites. Photo Workers
In late May, the Guardian reported that Chancellor Rachel Reeves had told ministers to buy British “wherever possible” when awarding government contracts for steel, shipbuilding, energy and artificial intelligence.
Before his resignation as defence minister, John Healey announced “a new approach” at the GMB trade union conference on 9 June. He said this “…looks to give credit in future defence contract decisions to British-based companies”.
Neither Reeves nor Healey mention that the free trade agreement between Britain and the EU, combined with World Trade Organization, rules allow companies based in the EU and many WTO member countries to bid for government contracts above certain amounts.
Hence the qualification to buy British “where possible”. It is a long way from the impression the government tried to give.
• A longer version of this article is on the web at www.cpbml.org.uk