Petition urges politicians to get behind Scunthorpe steel
30,000 people add their signatures to the campaign
Steelworkers in Scunthorpe have delivered a petition with 30,000 signatures to politicians, urging them to support UK steel production.
The petition, which aims to send a clear message to Westminster, is part of a campaign to secure the sector’s future.
Steelworkers, local politicians and members of the public gathered today at Café Indie on the High Street, amid concerns for the future of the industry and possible job losses.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The UK government’s lack of support or any long-term plan for steel is putting a sector which can and should have a bright future at risk. The public and steelworkers know there is another better way forward.
“In Germany, France and the Netherlands capacity is being retained and jobs protected as the sector transitions to green steel. That can happen here too: An incoming Labour government will invest £3 billion in UK steel.
“The demand for steel is expected to increase ten-fold over the coming years and the UK is perfectly placed to become a global leader in its production - if the right choices are made. Unite will not stop campaigning until they are.”
Owner of Lucky Tuppence confectionary, Steve said: “The steel industry in the UK has been left to rot with decades of bad political decisions. It resembles the 80's when the coal mines were closed and communities suffered as a result. Small businesses collapsed as the work disappeared.
“Scunthorpe is suffering the same fate, and the town will die if the steel plant dwindles away. We must fight every step of the way to save UK steel. We need our infrastructure to use 100 per cent of UK steel as well as to build our defences.”
A Department for Business and Trade Spokesperson said:
"The Government stepped in to ensure the future of steel in South Wales with an unprecedented package of support, preserving thousands of jobs that were previously at risk.
“This shows our commitment to UK steel, and we have offered a similarly generous support package to British Steel to help them cut emissions, safeguard jobs and keep steel production in Scunthorpe. Discussions with British Steel are still ongoing.”