Up to 2,700 jobs at risk at British Steel

British Steel is launching a consultation that could see the closure of its two blast furnaces at Scunthorpe, affecting between 2,000 and 2,700 jobs.

The company's owner, Jingye, said the blast furnaces were "no longer financially sustainable" due to tough market conditions, the imposition of tariffs and higher environmental costs.

British Steel chief executive Zengwei An said it was "a necessary decision given the hugely challenging circumstances the business faces".

The GMB union called it "devastating news for the people of Scunthorpe" and called on the government to do "everything possible" to secure the future of steelmaking at the site.