Keir Starmer has instructed MPs to return to the Commons on Saturday to discuss the future of British Steel, it is understood. The House of Commons is to be recalled at 11am as the Government said it is looking "to take control" of the business.

MPs are being told to return from their constituencies so they can sit to talk about the issue of British Steel and its uncertain future. Politicians had left Westminster for their Easter break on Tuesday.

British Steel has been warning the raw materials used to produce steel in two blast furnaces at the plant may soon run out.

On Wednesday, sources said the government had offered to buy the coking coal that is essential to keep the blast furnaces going.

A meeting between government officials and Jingye, the Chinese owner of the plant, was held virtually on Thursday.

The government is under mounting pressure to nationalise British Steel, which employs 2,700 people, if crunch talks aimed at a rescue deal fail.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "all options are on the table".

He said demand for steel was "likely to go up, not down, which is why it's very important to do everything we can".

The last time parliament was recalled was on 18 August 2021 to debate the situation in Afghanistan. It has been recalled only 34 times since 1948.