ArcelorMittal, the world’s second-largest steel company, has issued a dire warning to the UK government, stating that it may be forced to “cease operations in Britain” if the redevelopment of Chatham Docks goes ahead. In a letter obtained by Sky News, ArcelorMittal expressed concerns about the potential closure and redevelopment of part of Chatham Docks, which could have “seismic adverse consequences” for the British economy and multiple strategic industries.
The letter, sent by Matthew Brooks, who heads ArcelorMittal’s construction solutions arm in the UK, urged Michael Gove, the levelling-up secretary, to intervene and allow for fuller government scrutiny of the redevelopment proposals before a decision is made by Medway Council.
ArcelorMittal emphasized the importance of the site in Kent for transporting materials produced by its construction materials arm. If the redevelopment plans are approved, the company warned that it would have no choice but to leave Chatham Docks and potentially cease operations in Britain, impacting the manufacturing and construction industries and delaying critical national infrastructure projects.
The application for the redevelopment, submitted by Peel Waters, has already been recommended for approval by local planning officers. However, ArcelorMittal argued that the proposal would have significant long-term consequences for the UK reinforcement industry and the economy as a whole.
The company’s plea for government intervention highlights the potential ramifications of the redevelopment on jobs, economic value, and investment in the region. As the fate of Chatham Docks hangs in the balance, stakeholders await a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the future of the site and the industries it serves.