内容摘要：Originally opened on 26 April 1930, it replaced the old Seamen's Hospital from 1750.

Originally opened on 26 April 1930, it replaced the old Seamen's Hospital from 1750.

That's how even the Reform UK party swung behind near-nationalisation of the Scunthorpe steel works, with a special session of the Westminster Parliament on Saturday.That has been followed by Chinese owners being frozen out and new bosses appointed by Whitehall ministers, with instructions to source the materials needed to keep Scunthorpe's blast furnaces blasting.

Why Scunthorpe in particular? And why not other strategic assets?The SNP at Westminster, now backed by the first minister, John Swinney, believe the oil refinery at Grangemouth should also be nationalised, because it's a strategic economic asset.The practicalities of making steel require that the system runs hot, and when the initial iron-making process is allowed to cool down, it is difficult or impossible to restart.

Hence the speed of response when ministers discovered that the plant's Chinese owners were not stocking up the materials needed.The Lincolnshire plant is the only plant in the UK that can still make steel from its raw materials. Other steel plants have closed, including Redcar ten years ago. In the case of Port Talbot in Wales, the process was shut down last year, for adaptation to run new furnaces to recycle steel, using a far smaller workforce.

Recycled metal can have a lower carbon footprint. But in general, it's not as high quality, when reliable strength is required for new rail lines, construction and the defence industry.

Much is made by the UK government of the risk that Britain could become the only member of the G7 group of large market economies that does not have its own virgin steel production.South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, Councillor Phil Dilks, said: "It's vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms."

, celebrations begin with a service at the parish church from 16:30 BST on 8 May, followed by a BBQ, games and a school choir performance at Windmill restaurant. The event will conclude with the lighting of the town's beacon at 21:00., there will be a beacon lighting event on 8 May at 21:30 followed by a VE Day anniversary evening at Wellingore Memorial Hall on 10 May, featuring a 16-piece big band.

A 1940s themed picnic will be held at Waltham Windmill on the 10 May from 11:00 to 15:00 BST. The free event includes face painting, food stalls, evacuation train rides, a quiz and balloon-modelling. Live music and dancing will top off the event and a prize for the best 1940s outfit.Veterans will be in attendance when South Holland District Council raises the flag outside its council offices on Priory Road, Spalding, at 11:00 BST on 8 May.