MP’s call for a Budget backing steel

MP John Healey has backed calls for the government to support the steel industry.
Wentworth and Dearne MP John HealeyWentworth and Dearne MP John Healey
Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey

UK Steel, which represents the steel industry, has called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to announce help for the steel sector in the Budget on November 22.

The organisation has made a number of recommendations, including that the industry is given help with energy costs, new funds for capital investments and research and development and reform of business rates, to bring them into line with European competitors.

Wentworth and Dearne MP Mr Healey, speaking in the wake of Liberty Group bringing mothballed equipment back into use at its Rotherham plant, said: “Liberty has shown its commitment to our South Yorkshire steel by putting on jobs and firing up equipment that’s been out of use.

“Now we need the government to play its part. 

“This is a ‘something for something’ Budget bid and, having done half a dozen budgets as a Treasury minister, it’s a submission the government should take seriously.

“This is a time of new opportunities for our UK steel but there is still much to do to put the sector on a more prosperous and sustainable footing. 

“We need the government to step in and help the steel industry unlock its potential.”

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