Labour reacts to news Stocksbridge Liberty Steel plant is to be sold

"Labour has called repeatedly for the Government to do whatever it takes to protect jobs and our steelmaking capacity, but instead ministers sat on their hands.

"It's absolutely vital the Government and Liberty secure legal assurances that the Stocksbridge plant, which is a British asset supplying our aerospace and defence industries and providing good jobs, will remain open and the workforce will be protected. Crucially we also need assurances about all of Liberty's other plants.

"The Government must show it has a plan B to protect the long-term future of our steel industry, including at Liberty - and public ownership must remain an option on the table."