British Steel nationalistion 'will protect future generations'

British Steel nationalistion 'will protect future generations'Image source, Kevin Shoesmith/BBCImage caption, Retired British Steel worker Phil Tennyson pictured at Scunthorpe's Jubilee Park with wife Jenna and their granddaughterByKevin Shoesmithin ScunthorpePublished14 minutes agoStanding in Scunthorpe's Jubilee Park, Phil Tennyson points to the skyline and a cooling tower at British Steel, where he worked for 38 years.On a sunny afternoon, Phil and his wife, Jenna, have brought their two-year-old granddaughter to play. The drab, grey tower poking out above the treetops in the distance sits in contrast to the play equipment brought to life by primary colours.Phil is digesting the news that the British Steel has been nationalised; taken into public ownership in a move the government said would protect jobs and safeguard "a vital national capability"."It will help support the future for our children and our grandchildren," says Phil, pulling his granddaughter's floppy hat further down her face to protect it from the midday sun."But I do think it should never have been privatised in the first place."Image source, PA MediaImage caption, The site in Scunthorpe has been producing steel since 1890Many in this Lincolnshire town welcome what they perceive to be a lifeline."It's a mucky place and hard work," says Phil. "But those works have given a lot of people around here a good living over many, many years."Last year, the UK government took control of British Steel's operations in Scunthorpe, though it was still owned by China's Jingye Group.Nationalisation gives the government the power and freedom to decide on the future of the plant, while keeping its blast furnaces going.Phil, though pleased with the decision, is guarded. "I don't know how it's going to remain profitable when it's competing against cheaper, foreign steel," he says."The industry is n...