Jonathan Reynolds response to widespread job losses at Port Talbot

Jonathan Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, responding to widespread job losses at Port Talbot steel, said:

“The Conservative Government has pushed a plan that uses millions of taxpayers’ money only to make thousands of people redundant and leave us unable to produce primary steel in the UK. What the Government offered was never a serious plan for the long term for our steel industry. It is yet another sticking plaster from a government living crisis to crisis unable to take a long-term view.

“Labour knows that the British steel industry can have bright future and we have a cast iron commitment to the steel industry. We have earmarked up to £3 billion for investment in green steel alongside industry, working with steel communities to ensure the transition to green steel comes with jobs.

“While the Conservatives scramble around for last minute deals, Labour will make long term investments through our industrial strategy to protect British jobs, safeguard our national capabilities and create jobs rather than throw British steelworkers on the scrapheap.”