People in Redcar uged to get behind the fight to save UK steel
The campaign's coming to the town later
People in Redcar are being urged to get behind the fight to save UK steel.
Unite is bringing its campaign to the Redcar Athletic home football match later against Whickham FC, in the hopes of expanding future steelmaking on Teesside for future generations and keep steeling manufacturing in the UK.
Residents, businesses and community groups have already signed a petition and the union will be trying to drum up further support at the game.
Paddy Hill is from Unite the Union and said: "At half time the junior team will parade a banner around the ground accompanied by the Steelmen Supporters Club band. The crowd will be encouraged to show their support also and the first team players will warm up in campaign t-shirts which will also be worn by the junior team. Unite organisers will be handing out campaign material and collecting petition signatures.
"Redcar as people know, sits alongside Grangetown, Eston, South Bank, Skinningrove, Lackenby and Middlesbrough itself, has been built on iron and steel with a long and proud tradition. Some of the greatest buildings and monuments in the world carry the stamp of Teesside steel, made by generation of Teesside steelworkers; for example the Sydney Opera House, the Angel of the North and the Tyne Bridge.
"Redcar is now in a position to lead the way in production of green energy and it's vitally important that it's not just about nostalgia, it's about utilising the skills and abilities and also breathing hope back into some of those communities that've been decimated by a lack of proper planning, and we can't afford to just sit back and allow future generations have no vision and no hope.
"I think it's way beyond time for politicians, business leaders and workers represented by their trade unions to come together to plan for the future of UK steel and UK energy provision in general. A new era of cooperation and long term planning for the UK sector must be acted upon now before we're all trailing in the wake of other global energy providers."
The Government says they are committed to UK steel by offering 'generous support packages' and safeguarding jobs.