Javid is facing calls to resign after he revealed he had known about Tata Steel's intentions for its British business. However, in defending his actions, the business secretary said while he knew about he company's concerns, he didn't think the Indian-based conglomerate would make the drastic decision to pull out of the UK.
We're continuing to do all we can to deliver a viable, sustainable future for UK #steel — my thoughts today here https://t.co/VkzJftYvhr
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) April 3, 2016
Critics also took aim at Javid's decision to honor a trade trip to Australia, despite knowing about the Tata Steel's predicament, leading to accusations that the government had abandoned the steel industry.
PMOS: On Tata our focus is on how we get a genuine sales process off the ground. The Business Sec will meet with Tata today to discuss that.
— No. 10 Press Office (@Number10press) April 4, 2016
Prime Minister David Cameron has also come in for severe criticism over the UK's close ties with China, with Chinese steel dumping on the market rendering many of the UK's plants unviable.
Is Sajid Javid seriously now claiming UK Gov is "leading" EU action against Chinese steel dumping? After BLOCKING it! #SaveOurSteel
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) April 1, 2016
The PM's office said Cameron had "raised concerns" with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping over the steel crisis, amid criticism the government was not doing enough to stand up to China and save the UK steel industry — which employs 15,000 people and supports thousands more.
The closure of Tata Steel's plant in Port Talbot, Wales, would also have a significant knock-on effect on other related industries, such as constriction, engineering and defense.
'Steel Workers Paying for China Relations'
With the UK Chancellor George Osborne working hard to establish closer ties with China and encourage more trade between the countries, Liberal-Democrats leader Tim Farron saying British workers were ultimately paying the price for London's newfound relations with Beijing.
"This news is further pain added onto a community that has been kicked in the gut by Government inaction," he said.
"The Chancellor has made a 'better relationship' with China, a cornerstone of his economic policy. Now the consequences of that decision are being felt by steel workers.
"Rather than standing up for China in the EU, by blocking higher tariffs on their steel, he should be standing up to China on behalf of the UK steel industry."
Cameron's government has negotiated a number of deals with China recently, including Beijing's financial backing of the proposed Hinkley Point nuclear power plant.
