Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, commenting on reports that Tata steel is seeking a bailout, said:

“Steel is a vital sector for the UK in the jobs it provides and its role in Britain’s domestic manufacturing. UK produced steel is critical to ensuring our economy recovers quickly and to make our domestic manufacturing more resilient in the future.

“It is right for the government to work with the industry to protect employment, which is the lifeblood of communities, while ensuring tax payer value for money.”