Corbyn demands recall of Parliament over steel crisis

Jeremy Corbyn has written to David Cameron to demand the recall of Parliament to discuss the crisis in the UK’s steel industry as he called on ministers to consider nationalisation if necessary.

This comes after Tata Steel confirmed last night they would be looking to sell their UK assets, putting thousands of steel jobs in jeopardy, including 4,000 positions in Port Talbot.

Corbyn says that it is “essential that the Government intervenes” to protect jobs in the industry, and had demanded that MPs are recalled to Westminster to “hold ministers to account for their failure to intervene”. Parliament is currently on recess for Easter, with MPs not due to return until April 11.

“The news that Tata is preparing to pull out of steelmaking in Britain puts thousands of jobs across the country and a strategic UK-wide industry at risk,” the Labour leader said. “MPs must have the chance now to debate the future of steel and hold ministers to account for their failure to intervene.

“Steelworkers and their families will be desperately worried about the uncertainty. The Government is in disarray over what action to take. Ministers must act now to protect the steel industry, which is at the heart of manufacturing in Britain and vital to its future.”

Corbyn also demanded that the Government takes action to keep the Port Talbot steelworks, and raised the possibility of nationalisation in order to protect jobs.

“It is essential that the Government intervenes to maintain steel production in Port Talbot, both for the workforce and the wider economy, if necessary by taking a public stake in the industry,” he said.

“If necessary ministers must be prepared to use their powers to take a public stake in steelmaking to protect the industry and British manufacturing. The Government must do whatever it takes to save this strategic industry.”

You can read Corbyn’s full letter to the Prime Minister here:

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to you in the light of recent developments at Tata Steel and the possible sale of its UK operations.

As you will be aware, the decision puts the future of the industry in jeopardy and risks the livelihoods of tens of thousands of British people across the country. The employees and their families will be deeply worried about their future today and it is vital that the Government does everything possible to secure a future for these jobs and this vital UK industry.

I welcome that the Government is prepared to consider ‘all options’ but it is essential, for the sake of the industry and the people who work in it, that government keeps Parliament and the country informed of developments and the action it is taking.

For that reason, I am requesting you consider two things:

First, that you convene a meeting of all relevant parties – government ministers, trade union and employee representatives and industry groups – to discuss all options, including a public stake, available to the Government to ensure the security of the industry in the future.

Secondly, for the benefit of all Members and especially those who represent affected communities, I request that you ask the Speaker to recall Parliament at the earliest opportunity in order to update the House on developments.

Steel is a strategic UK-wide industry that is vital for our economy in the future. The Government must do everything possible to protect the industry as it faces this threat to its future.

I look forward to your response.

Kind Regards,

Jeremy Corbyn