Angela Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, responding to reports that the government might not use British-made steel in major Royal Navy projects, said:

“This is deeply disappointing. Tory Ministers have trumpeted the changes they’ve made to government procurement rules which they claim will help our steel industry, but the news today that the government might not use British-made steel in major Royal Navy projects makes a mockery of this.

“The failure to develop a proper industrial strategy is deepening the crisis facing our steel industry. The government should commit to supporting our steel industry by using British-made steel in major government infrastructure projects.

“Only by taking immediate and decisive action to deliver on all of the asks made by the steel industry and trade unions can the government make sure our steel industry survives. Without urgent action I fear that the Tories’ laissez-faire attitude could turn the downturn into a death spiral.”