Paul Jones

1 week ago | bmmagazine.co.uk | Paul Jones

A strategically vital British manufacturer teetering on the brink, thousands of jobs in jeopardy, and a government reluctant to intervene. It may sound like the story of British Steel in 2025—but more than fifty years ago, the same narrative played out with another great British name: Rolls-Royce.

1 week ago | bmmagazine.co.uk | Paul Jones

China has launched a scathing attack on British politicians, accusing them of “arrogance, ignorance and a twisted mindset” over criticism of British Steel’s Chinese owner, Jingye, and the firm’s recent threat to shut down its Scunthorpe blast furnaces. In a strongly worded statement published on Wednesday, Beijing’s embassy in London condemned what it described as unfounded “slander” against both the Chinese government and Chinese businesses operating in the UK.

1 week ago | bmmagazine.co.uk | Paul Jones

US Vice-President JD Vance has said there is a “good chance” that the United States and United Kingdom could strike a new trade agreement, as the two countries engage in active negotiations in the wake of President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs. Speaking in an interview with UnHerd on Monday, Vance confirmed that the US is “working very hard with Keir Starmer’s government” to explore opportunities for a deal that goes beyond tariffs, encompassing both goods and services.

1 week ago | bmmagazine.co.uk | Paul Jones

Parliament is to be recalled this Saturday for an emergency debate on the future of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, as the government considers taking control of the business to safeguard jobs and the UK’s industrial capacity. The unexpected move comes just days after MPs left Westminster for their Easter recess, with no plans to return until 22 April. However, the urgency of the situation has prompted a rare interruption to the parliamentary break.

2 weeks ago | bmmagazine.co.uk | Paul Jones

President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on tariffs above the 10% baseline rate, offering a temporary reprieve for most US trading partners — with one notable exception: China. In a post on Truth Social, the President confirmed the pause would take immediate effect, while also declaring a punitive 125% tariff on Chinese imports, citing a “lack of respect” for global markets and Beijing’s decision to launch retaliatory tariffs on US goods.