Angela Eagle MP, Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, speaking following the Prime Minister’s visit to Tata’s Port Talbot site, said:

“Workers at Port Talbot and across the UK steel industry will be relieved that the Tory Government at long last seem to be treating this crisis with the seriousness it deserves. Labour has been warning of the escalating crisis facing steel for months, raising the issue over 200 times in Parliament.

“After this visit I hope the Prime Minister will see the need to preserve the blast furnaces at Port Talbot and appreciate the need for Tata to sell these assets as an integrated business. The Government now needs to roll up its sleeves and be proactive in these crucial few weeks to ensure a viable future for the UK steel industry.

“Steel is a foundation industry. The life chances of entire communities depend on these jobs. And it is a cyclical industry; if the Government takes decisive action, steel can have a bright future. Labour has a four point plan to save our steel; we will continue pushing for action on energy, on business rates, on procurement, and – most importantly – on trade protection from Chinese dumping”