Angela Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, commenting ahead of the Tata board meeting in Mumbai today, said:

“The steel industry is of vital strategic importance to the economy but it is hanging by the thinnest of threads.  

“Against the backdrop of challenging global conditions for the steel sector, it is crucial that the Government is prepared to act or we risk losing yet more high-skilled jobs and potentially an entire industry which is vital to our future prosperity.

“Steel bosses, workers and entire communities are now looking to the Government to stand ready to do all it can to play its part in safeguarding the future of steel making in Britain.”