Balls attacks Corus on North East visit

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Writing today on his blog during a visit to the North East, Ed Balls attacked steel manufacturer Corus, saying:

“Corus need to get their skates on and do the right thing. They clearly do not intent to resume steel and iron production themselves any time soon, so they must make an agreement for this modern, viable and productive plant to be sold to new management for the sake of jobs and skills in Teeside. The new owners must then work with the unions and local community to make this plant a success once again.”

The closure of the Corus plant was a massive issue locally in the run up to the general election – and was largely responsible for minister Vera Baird losing her seat to the largest anti-Labour swing in the country. Baird went from a majority of 12,000 to a loss to the Lib Dems by 6,000 votes.