一家河北县城民企，成为英国政府的眼中钉

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of the UK steel industry, focusing on the conflict surrounding the Scunthorpe steel plant, which is now owned by a Chinese private enterprise, and the implications of this ownership on the UK's ability to produce primary steel. Group 1: Historical Context - Scunthorpe was once a significant steel production hub in England, known for its clean factories and green spaces, earning the nickname "Industrial Garden" [5] - By the 1960s, Scunthorpe was one of the top five steel production bases in the UK, but the industry has since faced a dramatic decline [5][9] - The UK steel industry produced 2.8 million tons of steel in 1970, but by 2023, this figure had plummeted to 5.6 million tons, marking a decline of 3.68% annually [24] Group 2: Current Industry Status - As of 2023, the UK steel industry employs approximately 37,000 workers and produces 5.6 million tons of steel, with 76% being primary steel and 24% recycled steel [9] - The Scunthorpe plant and the Tata Steel plant in Port Talbot are the last remaining facilities producing primary steel in the UK, and both are facing significant operational challenges [13][15] Group 3: Ownership and Economic Implications - The Scunthorpe plant is owned by China's Jingye Group, which acquired it after a series of ownership changes, including Tata Steel and Greybull Capital [45][39] - The UK steel industry is now largely controlled by foreign entities, with Tata and Jingye employing about 11,200 workers, representing one-third of the total workforce in the sector [15][18] - The closure of primary steel production facilities would leave the UK as the only G7 country unable to produce its own primary steel, raising concerns about national security and industrial capability [13][15] Group 4: Environmental and Political Challenges - The UK government has been caught in a dilemma between supporting environmental initiatives and maintaining domestic steel production capabilities [31][67] - The proposed transition from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces by Jingye is seen as a cost-saving measure but threatens to eliminate 1,500 to 2,000 jobs [55][57] - The UK Parliament has intervened to prevent the closure of the Scunthorpe plant, reflecting the tension between environmental goals and industrial sovereignty [58][60]