Commons Fast-Tracks State Threats Bill as Steel Tariffs Loom

High-Level Summary

The Commons dealt with Welsh affairs, Prime Minister’s Questions (answered by the Deputy Prime Minister), an Urgent Question on steel tariffs, and fast‑tracked all stages of the National Security (State Threats) Bill. The timetable motion to take all stages in one day was agreed on division (Ayes 233, Noes 94). After extensive debate and several votes on amendments, the Bill was reported without amendment and passed Third Reading for the Lords to consider. Members examined the design and timing of forthcoming steel import measures ahead of the 30 June expiry of the existing safeguard, and the day ended with an adjournment debate on boosting private investment in Lancashire. Three statutory instruments were approved without division.

Detailed Summary

Oral Answers to Questions: Wales

Questioners raised the cost of living, job creation, defence, economic growth and rail. The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, highlighted the Great British summer savings scheme, saying it is “cutting VAT on, for instance, children’s meals, tickets for cinemas and theatres and other attractions, and we are cutting the cost of the weekly shop by lowering tariffs on more than 100 staple products”. She argued that removing the two‑child limit, alongside the child poverty strategy, would “benefit nearly 70,000 children right across Wales”. Responding to criticism of delivery pace in Wales, she contrasted action with process, concluding “we are getting on with the job”.

On pressures facing farmers, Stevens said “red diesel has been slashed to its lowest rate for over 20 years” and that the Government is mitigating the economic impact of the war involving Iran. Minister Anna McMorrin cited support for major sectors including £2.5 billion for small modular reactors at Wylfa, “supporting at least 3,000 jobs,” and new AI growth zones “expected to create more than 8,000 jobs”. She pointed to £134 million for the Cardiff capital region which “has already created 7,000 jobs… [and is] on its way to delivering 25,000 jobs”. On defence, Stevens said the Government is delivering “the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the cold war” and described a related “Union dividend”. On growth and infrastructure, Ministers referred to over £300 million of Pride in Place funding for Wales and a £14 billion long‑term pipeline of rail projects. Decisions: not stated in the transcript.

Prime Minister’s Questions

Answering for the Prime Minister, David Lammy said the Prime Minister was attending the G7 summit in Evian, and outlined plans to support high streets, citing “our high streets strategy, backed by more than £300 million” and Pride in Place funding for Gravesham. In exchanges on energy and the North Sea, he said, “We are delivering clean energy security”, and insisted the UK was not “turning off the taps” in the North Sea. On defence funding mechanisms, he said the defence investment plan would set out “how every Government Department is contributing to defence”.

Further questions covered tackling paramilitarism and racist violence in Belfast—Lammy said he “utterly condemn[s] the violence” and promised action against those inciting hatred online—and explored funding options such as defence bonds. He restated the Government’s EU approach: red lines remain, but the focus is on an SPS deal, a youth experience scheme and cutting red tape for exporters. Other topics included the proposed under‑16 social media ban—“a landmark moment”—and a claim that net migration is “down under us by 82%”. Decisions: not stated in the transcript.

Urgent Question: Steel Tariffs

Minister Chris McDonald announced a new trade measure from 1 July limiting tariff‑free steel imports, with imports above quotas facing a 50% tariff, to counter “global overcapacity” and protect domestic production. He warned that the existing safeguard cannot be extended and expires on 30 June; without action “the UK would become the global dumping ground for subsidised steel”. He referred to transitional arrangements, a 12‑month review, and intensive engagement with the EU to seek a “bilateral solution”.

Members highlighted risks to downstream users, specialist grades not made in the UK, a fabricated steel loophole, and defence cost pressures. The Minister acknowledged uncertainty while EU talks continue, saying feedback on quota levels “has been heard”, and reiterated the policy is “designed to support primary steel production” while balancing downstream needs. He committed to report final arrangements promptly: “As soon as the measures are finalised, the Minister for Trade… will want to report them to the House”. Outcome: no decision in the chamber; Ministers to finalise and publish measures ahead of 1 July.

National Security (State Threats) Bill — Programme Motion

The Government sought to take all stages of the Bill in one day. Alicia Kearns argued the motion “forbids us that duty” of scrutiny and said, “with regret, we will seek to divide the House”. The Home Secretary said urgency was needed “given the threats the country faces” and that the Bill is “very tightly constructed”. Sir Jeremy Wright questioned the justification for accelerated passage. Outcome: Programme motion agreed on division—Ayes 233, Noes 94.

National Security (State Threats) Bill — Second Reading

Introducing the Bill, the Home Secretary said it responds to increasing state threats from “Russia, China and Iran”. She outlined a new power to designate bodies involved in foreign power threat activity and offences of “supporting” a designated body, “assisting” it, and “obtaining a material benefit” from it. She emphasised that diplomatic and humanitarian activities would not be caught: “humanitarian activity will not be caught by any of the Bill’s measures”, and referred to provisions making this clear.

For the Opposition, Alicia Kearns supported the objective but opposed the haste and identified gaps, including a higher bar than terrorism law to prosecute support, activity planned in the UK for overseas targets, the absence of a preparatory offence, and the lack of coverage for inspired (lone‑actor) conduct. Other Members called for action against the IRGC, raised oversight questions, and discussed AI‑related threats. Outcome: Second Reading agreed (no division recorded).

National Security (State Threats) Bill — Committee and Third Reading

In Committee, Alicia Kearns tabled amendments to harden offences and expand scope, arguing, “This Bill is soft where it should be hard, silent where it should speak”. Key divisions saw Amendment 3 (removing the ‘prohibited purpose’ test for the support offence) negatived Ayes 85, Noes 317; Amendment 8 (capturing overseas acts planned in the UK) negatived Ayes 143, Noes 249; and Amendment 13 (self‑directed acts inspired by a designated body) negatived Ayes 135, Noes 258. New Clause 3 (requiring IRGC designation within a month) was negatived Ayes 144, Noes 244. The Bill was reported without amendment.

Minister Angela Eagle argued “it is not possible to treat a state body the same as a terrorist organisation”, and that the ‘prohibited purpose’ test protects legitimate engagement by, for example, humanitarian actors. She confirmed the Bill’s provisions will fall under the annual review of the Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation. On Third Reading, the Minister said the Bill “will create crucial new powers” and would proceed to the Lords. Kearns supported passage but regretted missed improvements. Outcome: Bill passed Third Reading without amendment.

Delegated Legislation

The House approved three statutory instruments without division: the Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026; the Digital Waste Tracking (England) Regulations 2026; and the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2026. Outcome: approved on the nod.

Adjournment Debate: Private Sector Investment in Lancashire

Maya Ellis argued that Lancashire is a “£40 billion GVA powerhouse” requiring targeted support beyond city‑region models. She sought commitments on: the National Cyber Force at Samlesbury; Westinghouse’s next‑generation nuclear fuel capabilities; HMRC relocation to Preston; a second River Ribble bridge; and accelerated devolution.

Minister Chris McDonald highlighted investments in Leyland Trucks, aerospace at Warton and Samlesbury, nuclear at Springfields/Heysham, and Pride in Place, and undertook to write on specific requests. He described the Government as “an active, interventionist Government, working to drive growth and investment in Lancashire”. Outcome: debate concluded; no decisions announced in the chamber.