Britain's steel industry will have a “bright future” if Labour gets into power, Jonathan Reynolds has vowed.
The Shadow Business Secretary gathered industry leaders and trade union representatives this morning to discuss the future of steel in this country.
The new group is expected to meet regularly to talk about the vital role the sector plays in the national economy, the challenges it faces and what is required to make the UK a global leader in green steel.
At the first meeting today, Mr Reynolds recommitted to Labour’s pledge to partner with industry to invest in the green steel the UK needs to remain competitive.
The shadow business secretary said: “It is clear industry needs a partner in government that not only understands the challenges our steel producers are facing now but has the vision to invest in the future.
“Steel is a foundational sector integral to our national security and ability to transition to net zero.
“Labour will invest £3billion alongside industry to ensure the next generation of green steel is built in the UK. Steel has a bright future under Labour.”
Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the steelworkers’ union Community, said: “Britain needs a strong steel industry for a prosperous and resilient economy, to deliver net zero, for our national security, and to safeguard high quality jobs in places that really need them.
“We must have strong social partnerships in place to protect foundational industries like steel, and this roundtable which brought together steel companies, unions and political leaders, demonstrates the best way forward.
“Steelworkers had enough of warm words – we need action. The Government and the employers must now play their part to protect our steel industry.”
Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, said: “The UK steel sector faces many challenges in the years ahead, not least in the complete decarbonisation of production in little more than a decade’s time.
“This requires a shared long-term vision and policy certainty. We therefore hugely welcome this opportunity to meet with Labour to discuss our vision for a net-zero steel industry, and what support is necessary to deliver it.
“The future of UK steel production is one of critical strategic importance to the country. It is therefore essential to work with all parties to secure this national asset for decades to come.”
The Mirror has been campaigning to Save Our Steel. The industry, which is worth £2.4billion to the economy, supports 39,000 jobs in Britain.
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