TATA Steel plans Clydebridge & Dalzell closures

It is widely reported that TATA steel is planning to announce the closures of the Clydebridge and Dalzell plants.

Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray MP, said:

“Today, I have had conversations with the unions representing workers at Clydebridge and Dalzell. It is clear that we need urgent action from the UK and Scottish Governments to support these plants and to protect the hundreds of jobs that rely on them.

Next week, Labour will seek urgent answers in the House of Commons from the Government about what they intend to do to save these jobs. The Prime Minister promised a manufacturing revolution across the UK, but without action hundreds of skilled jobs will be lost and the Scottish steel industry could disappear forever.

Both the Scottish and UK Governments need to do all they can, and we will offer our full support for any plan that can save these jobs.”

John Pentland, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said:

“When Grangemouth, Fergusons and Prestwick Airport were at risk, the Scottish Government stepped in to provide support and to secure jobs. They need to do the same now – anything less will not be acceptable. The workers here have been raising concerns for months, and will not settle for anything less.

We need to work together to find ways to reduce costs at these plants to make them viable. We are currently experiencing one of the worst slumps in steel prices. Under no circumstances can we afford to lose the skills and expertise that has developed here over decades.

The UK Government also needs to take action to protect our industries and the consequences of dumping of Chinese steel, which drives down the price and threatens the industry in Scotland and across the UK.

This is an iconic industry for our nation – it cannot be allowed to die.”

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