The new National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline has set out over £500bn worth of planned private and public investment, including rail, road and nuclear projects.

In an announcement by business secretary Greg Clark and Cabinet Office minister Ben Gummer, the government has revealed that it has created steel requirements for infrastructure projects.

The changes are aimed to make it easier than ever before for UK steel manufacturers to bid for upcoming government contracts.

The government intends to publish their future steel requirements on an annual basis.

Mr Clark said: “The government has been absolutely clear that we want to do all we can to support our world-class steel industry.

“These changes will ensure that UK steel companies can better plan for the long term, giving them an even greater chance of securing government contracts.

“We want UK companies big and small to be bidding for and winning government contracts, which is why our upcoming Industrial Strategy is so important.

“This strategy will ensure we make the right investments in science, research, skills and infrastructure so that British industry wins contracts by producing the best goods and services.”