Angela Eagle MP, Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, speaking ahead of the emergency debate on the UK steel industry, said:

“Today’s emergency debate on the steel industry is a reflection both of the importance of the industry, and the perfect storm it faces. Steel is a foundation industry which is absolutely essential for manufacturing and for our wider economy.

“The Tory Business Secretary ignored our warnings of the growing challenges facing steel for months. And when the crisis came to a head, he was missing in action.

“The debate today gives Sajid Javid the chance to come to the House with a comprehensive plan to secure the future of our vital steel industry. We must see an integrated sale to ensure Britain retains the ability to both make and process steel, to level the playing field by addressing the illegal dumping of Chinese steel, and the development of a modern industrial strategy to support steel and manufacturing.”