The UK Labour government will always do whatever it takes to protect our steel industry and steel workers – right across the UK.

The Tories’ neglected UK steel for 14 years and refused to make crucial decisions in steel negotiations before the General Election. This dereliction of duty left Port Talbot on a cliff-edge on the day of the election.

In just ten weeks we negotiated a better deal with Tata which secured the immediate future of Port Talbot; laid the foundations for future investment and secured enhanced protections for every Tata employee in Wales.

Unlike the Conservative Government which promised £80 million to support Port Talbot but didn’t get a single penny out of the door to help workers because it was completely unfunded, this Labour Government has delivered the £80 million and over £50 million has already been allocated to retrain and reskill workers, create new jobs, protect the local supply chain, and support the mental health of those impacted by the Tata transition.

The deal struck with Tata is a strong one where steelmaking and steel workers are supported by a genuine partnership between the UK Government and the private sector.

And we are acting with urgency once again to protect the industry in Scunthorpe.

This Labour Government promised that we would deliver for our steel communities and we are doing just that.