Labour Leader Meets Scunthorpe Steelworkers
Jeremy Corbyn visited the TATA Steel plant to show his support to steelworkers and their families.
The Labour leader has been in Scunthorpe today - meeting steelworkers and their families, along with young people hoping to progress in the industry.
Jeremy Corbyn visited the TATA steelworks plant in the town to show his support for steelworkers and reiterated his commitment to do all he can to urge the government to protect the industry.
It follows last week's announcement by TATA that 900 workers are facing redundancy at the Scunthorpe site.
Yesterday, a debate on the steel sector was held by MPs in Westminster and workers with banners and T-shirts bearing the slogan 'Save Our Steel' gathered in London - calling for urgent government action to protect the industry.
We were at TATA steel this lunchtime as Mr Corbyn met steelworkers. You can hear our full interview with him below:
We also spoke to steelworkers who told us they've taken encouragement from Jeremy Corbyn's visit this afternoon.
Matthew Cook works at the plant and told us:
"He cared, he cared about the steel industry and the wider heavy manufacturing industry in this country. The leader of the opposition has come to Scunthorpe and we know it is right at the forefront of their policy so as far as pressure comes from our side, Jeremy is the person that can deliver that to David Cameron."
Manufacturing Director of Tata Steel's stand-alone Long Products Europe business, Dave Nicol, said:
"We were pleased to welcome Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn MP and Shadow First Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills Angela Eagle MP to the Scunthorpe site today.
"We made clear last week the challenges we face - extremely challenging market conditions compounded by unhelpful exchange rates and regulatory costs. This industry has a crucial role to play in rebalancing the UK economy, but we need a fairer system to encourage growth.
"Mr Corbyn made clear he will continue to press for the steel industry to be given a level playing field on issues such as business rates, infrastructure procurement and energy costs."