Steel industry can still have a bright future, Kezia Dugdale insists
The under-threat Scottish steel industry can still have a "bright future'' if ministers offer the right support, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has said.
Ms Dugdale claimed time is running out to save 270 jobs at Tata Steel's plants in Motherwell and Cambuslang as the 45-day consultation period announced by the firm last month comes to an end.
The Scottish Government set up a taskforce following the announcement, with a focus on finding a new commercial operator for Tata's Lanarkshire plants. It will meet for the third time on Thursday.
Speaking during a visit to the Dalzell plant in Motherwell, Ms Dugdale said: "Meeting with the steel workers this morning made it clear to me that this industry can have a bright future with the right support from government.
"Steel workers are highly-skilled and make a valuable contribution to our communities. These skills and good-quality jobs cannot be allowed to disappear from communities in Lanarkshire and across Scotland.
"There are 270 jobs associated directly with these plants and a lot more beyond that in the local community and economy. It's part of Lanarkshire's DNA.
"We cannot let the light go out on the industry without a fight. We know it is a viable industry with a viable future, but we need to protect the assets and the workforce that goes with them.
"If we are serious about saving the Scottish steel industry we need a positive commitment from the SNP government that they will preserve both the industrial assets and the skills of the workforce while a new commercial operator is found.
"When Ferguson's was going down, the Scottish Government stepped in. When Prestwick was about to close, the Scottish Government stepped in.''
Ms Dugdale said it is "crunch time'' for the taskforce, claiming they must "present answers on exactly what they will do to ensure Dalzell and Clydebridge have a future'' when they meet again.
She added: "It's crunch time for the taskforce. With just over a week until Tata Steel's 45-day consultation period comes to an end, time is running out for the workers at the Dalzell and Clydebridge plants.
"The SNP government must also take a broader look at the future of traditional industries in Scotland. From shipbuilding to oil and gas to steel, too many industries have been rocked by rapid global forces.
"We need a comprehensive, forensic review into how we secure the future of these industries. Instead of simply fire-fighting, the SNP government should work with businesses and trade unions to develop a long-term, active industrial strategy.
Business minister Fergus Ewing said: "I am determined to fight for a future for our steel industry and the Scottish steel taskforce's primary aim is to secure an alternative operator for Dalzell and Clydebridge, and to retain as many jobs as possible.
"Our efforts are firmly focused on finding new investors, cutting costs and creating the most supportive business environment.
"All members of the Scottish steel taskforce are firmly behind this aim and we are working constructively together to achieve it. While it will be challenging, I am hopeful of a positive outcome.''