Seema Malhotra responds to Cleveland Bridge steel firm jobs risk

"This is extremely worrying news and my immediate thoughts are with every affected employee who may be feeling anxious about their livelihood.

"The Government must explain as a matter of urgency what it is doing to protect these jobs. And Ministers must also dig deeper and explain how it can be possible that an engineering company of this significance, a major employer in the North responsible for building landmarks across our country, can be in such a perilous position.

"This news underlines again that we need a long-term plan for our steel industry which is vital for our economy and national security. The UK has a proud manufacturing history and it's crucial government backs Britain's manufacturers to secure their proud future."