Shadow minister's support pledge on visit to Rotherham steelworks

Gill Furniss MP spoke at the first Greensteel Council at Liberty Steel in Aldwarke alongside Rotherham MP Sarah Champion before taking a tour of the steelworks.

Ms Furniss also met with both management and union reps to discuss some of the ongoing challenges facing the steel sector, such as the steel sector deal and recent tariffs and to outline Labour’s commitment to the steel sector.

“Our steel industry is of vital importance to communities across the UK — but the Tory Government's inaction shows that they just don’t understand how crucial it is,” she said.

“Time and time again, the Tories have shown complacency toward the sector and its workers, whether it be their failure to stand up to the looming steel tariffs or refusing to respond to the Steel Sector Deal.

“The Labour Party has and always will support our steel sector. 

“We will create a level playing field so it can continue to compete and thrive globally and take advantage of the opportunities on offer.”

Ms Champion said: “Today is a celebration that Rotherham is once again leading the way on speciality steels.  

“A few years ago it was questionable if we would even retain a steel industry in the town.

“The fact it is now flourish is down to the commitment and investment of the workers, unions and Liberty House. I felt enormously proud to be opening the conference and helping put our industry back on the world map."