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Steel crisis: Jeremy Corbyn calls on government to 'intervene now' - live updates Steel crisis: Jeremy Corbyn calls on government to 'intervene now' - live updates
(35 minutes later)
6.56pm BST
18:56
The crisis continues provide a new theatre of battle in EU referendum hostilities, particularly for ‘vote leave’ campaigners. Here’s a tweet from Tory MP William Wragg
Limitations by EU state aid rules must be overcome to keep British steel production. If they get in the way, another reason to #VoteLeave
The Leave.EU campaign have meanwhile put this together:
Even supporters of the remain campaign blame the EU for the steel crisis. #SaveOurSteel #LeaveEU pic.twitter.com/0LWU65B0F2
6.47pm BST
18:47
The West Cumbrian Labour MP, Jamie Reed, has published a letter he has written to David Cameron in which he tells the prime minister that the government has a “responsibility to intervene” on behalf of communities affected by market failures:
Communities cannot be left to suffer the decline of market failure as a result of Government’s reluctance to intervene. The cumulative and knock-on impact of a closure of a facility such as Chapelbank on the local economy would be felt for years to come and the Government has a duty to ensure this does not happen.
Reflecting on his own area, Reed said that Tata’s Chapelbank site in Workington, West Cumbria has been a critical part of the Energy Coast economy for decades despite facing repeated challenges:
The facility plays a key role in the nuclear sector in the region and, through work with supply chain businesses in the area and major nuclear partners, helps to maintain and expand the skills base necessary to cement West Cumbria’s place as world leaders in nuclear engineering.
Meanwhile, this is Ben Quinn picking up the liveblog from Graeme Wearden.
6.16pm BST6.16pm BST
18:1618:16
Early evening summary: Steel in crisisEarly evening summary: Steel in crisis
A quick recap of the last few hours.A quick recap of the last few hours.
David Cameron has called a crisis meeting for Thursday morning, to discuss the future of the steel industry. The prime minister is cutting short his holiday to address the deepening crisis caused by Tata’s decision to sell its UK operations.David Cameron has called a crisis meeting for Thursday morning, to discuss the future of the steel industry. The prime minister is cutting short his holiday to address the deepening crisis caused by Tata’s decision to sell its UK operations.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is visiting the Port Talbot steelworks tonight. He urged the government to intervene, and commit to using British steel for domestic infrastructure projects.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is visiting the Port Talbot steelworks tonight. He urged the government to intervene, and commit to using British steel for domestic infrastructure projects.
Industry insiders have warned that Tata’s operations in the UK need billions of pounds of investment. There is also little time left to reach a deal, they warn.Industry insiders have warned that Tata’s operations in the UK need billions of pounds of investment. There is also little time left to reach a deal, they warn.
More than 20,000 people have now signed Corbyn’s petition, calling for parliament to be recalled. Downing Street is resisting pressure to summon MPs back from their Easter break, though.More than 20,000 people have now signed Corbyn’s petition, calling for parliament to be recalled. Downing Street is resisting pressure to summon MPs back from their Easter break, though.
Business secretary Sajid Javid is flying home to the UK. He was forced to cancel his trip to Australia, shortly after addressing a black-tie dinner.Business secretary Sajid Javid is flying home to the UK. He was forced to cancel his trip to Australia, shortly after addressing a black-tie dinner.
Javid has suggested that nationalising the steel industry probably isn’t the solution to the crisis. That will disappoint unions, and some Tory MPs, who believe the goverment must step in to save at least 40,000 jobs.Javid has suggested that nationalising the steel industry probably isn’t the solution to the crisis. That will disappoint unions, and some Tory MPs, who believe the goverment must step in to save at least 40,000 jobs.
6.13pm BST6.13pm BST
18:1318:13
Dave Hulse, from the GMB union, isn’t impressed with the government’s performance today.Dave Hulse, from the GMB union, isn’t impressed with the government’s performance today.
“David Cameron should be ashamed of himself for ruling out a recall of Parliament. He makes out that the Government cares about working people but this clearly confirms that holidays are more important than the members we represent and the communities that they come from.“David Cameron should be ashamed of himself for ruling out a recall of Parliament. He makes out that the Government cares about working people but this clearly confirms that holidays are more important than the members we represent and the communities that they come from.
Hulse also urges Sajid Javid to rethink his claim that nationalisation isn’t the answer:Hulse also urges Sajid Javid to rethink his claim that nationalisation isn’t the answer:
If he is committed to doing the right thing then he has to rethink and listen to everyone connected with the steel industry or our steel manufacturing base will be lost forever.”If he is committed to doing the right thing then he has to rethink and listen to everyone connected with the steel industry or our steel manufacturing base will be lost forever.”
(thanks to the Press Association for the quotes)(thanks to the Press Association for the quotes)
6.05pm BST6.05pm BST
18:0518:05
Downing Street has now issued a statement, confirming there are “no plans” to recall MPs from their holidays to discuss the steel crisis.Downing Street has now issued a statement, confirming there are “no plans” to recall MPs from their holidays to discuss the steel crisis.
A spokesperson says:A spokesperson says:
Ministers will continue to hold briefings to update representatives of other parties on the situation but we have no plans to recall Parliament. Our focus is on finding a long-term sustainable future for steel making at Port Talbot and across the UK.Ministers will continue to hold briefings to update representatives of other parties on the situation but we have no plans to recall Parliament. Our focus is on finding a long-term sustainable future for steel making at Port Talbot and across the UK.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.05pm BSTat 6.05pm BST
5.58pm BST5.58pm BST
17:5817:58
Insiders: Tata UK needs billions in investmentInsiders: Tata UK needs billions in investment
Industry insiders have told The Guardian that Tata’s UK steel operations need billions of pounds of investment.Industry insiders have told The Guardian that Tata’s UK steel operations need billions of pounds of investment.
My colleague Graham Ruddick has also heard concerns about Tata’s pension costs.My colleague Graham Ruddick has also heard concerns about Tata’s pension costs.
He reports:He reports:
A senior source close to Tata said there were weeks rather than months to agree a rescue deal, with Port Talbot and the wider UK business losing significantly more than £1m every day.A senior source close to Tata said there were weeks rather than months to agree a rescue deal, with Port Talbot and the wider UK business losing significantly more than £1m every day.
The financial problems facing Port Talbot are so significant that Tata is ready to “give it away for nothing”, the source said.The financial problems facing Port Talbot are so significant that Tata is ready to “give it away for nothing”, the source said.
However, they warned that Tata had been trying to find a buyer for the UK steel division for 18 months and there were no candidates willing to press ahead with a deal, with billions of pounds needed to get the business back on track.However, they warned that Tata had been trying to find a buyer for the UK steel division for 18 months and there were no candidates willing to press ahead with a deal, with billions of pounds needed to get the business back on track.
“They have spent nearly £4bn in the last eight years,” the source said. “It would need another £4bn.”“They have spent nearly £4bn in the last eight years,” the source said. “It would need another £4bn.”
Here’s the full story:Here’s the full story:
Related: Tata Steel's British plants 'must be sold within weeks'Related: Tata Steel's British plants 'must be sold within weeks'
Tata sources warning that steel business needs billions of pounds of investment and that pension problems are "huge"Tata sources warning that steel business needs billions of pounds of investment and that pension problems are "huge"
5.55pm BST5.55pm BST
17:5517:55
Jeremy Corbyn is now speaking to Sky News in Port Talbot.Jeremy Corbyn is now speaking to Sky News in Port Talbot.
He warns that Britain risks losing a century of steelmaking expertise, if the government does not step in to rescue the industry.He warns that Britain risks losing a century of steelmaking expertise, if the government does not step in to rescue the industry.
I suggest that the government listen to what people who have given their lives to the steel industry are saying, says Corbyn.I suggest that the government listen to what people who have given their lives to the steel industry are saying, says Corbyn.
Does the government really want to be remembered for allowing the steel industry to be recalled, he asks.Does the government really want to be remembered for allowing the steel industry to be recalled, he asks.
Steel workers believe there is a future for this industry, and so do I, the Labour leader continues. But there must be a declaration from the UK government that it is prepared to step in and save the steel industry.Steel workers believe there is a future for this industry, and so do I, the Labour leader continues. But there must be a declaration from the UK government that it is prepared to step in and save the steel industry.
5.36pm BST5.36pm BST
17:3617:36
The word from Downing Street is that the government is “completely focused” on working with Tata, the trade unions and other interested parties, to deliver a “sustainable future” for the plant at Port Talbot, and the wider industry.The word from Downing Street is that the government is “completely focused” on working with Tata, the trade unions and other interested parties, to deliver a “sustainable future” for the plant at Port Talbot, and the wider industry.
5.27pm BST5.27pm BST
17:2717:27
Here’s a clip of Jeremy Corbyn speaking in Port Talbot:Here’s a clip of Jeremy Corbyn speaking in Port Talbot:
Jeremy Corbyn trying to rally steel workers in port talbot "save our steel" pic.twitter.com/6svQXtcenHJeremy Corbyn trying to rally steel workers in port talbot "save our steel" pic.twitter.com/6svQXtcenH
5.16pm BST5.16pm BST
17:1617:16
Corbyn: Government must intervene now to save steel industryCorbyn: Government must intervene now to save steel industry
Jeremy Corbyn is meeting with steel workers in a social club in Port Talbot right now.Jeremy Corbyn is meeting with steel workers in a social club in Port Talbot right now.
He also addressed them, warning that the future of the industry is at stake.He also addressed them, warning that the future of the industry is at stake.
The Labour leader says:The Labour leader says:
If we don’t intervene to protect this steel works, and the other steel works, we will have no steel industry in Britain.If we don’t intervene to protect this steel works, and the other steel works, we will have no steel industry in Britain.
We will see a continual running down of our manufacturing capacity.We will see a continual running down of our manufacturing capacity.
We will no longer be able to call ourselves a proper manufacturing economy without a steel industry that goes with it.We will no longer be able to call ourselves a proper manufacturing economy without a steel industry that goes with it.
Our call to the government is ‘intervene now’ to protect these plants.Our call to the government is ‘intervene now’ to protect these plants.
(earlier typo corrected)(earlier typo corrected)
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.37pm BSTat 5.37pm BST
5.08pm BST5.08pm BST
17:0817:08
Corbyn arrives in Port Talbot on mission to save steel industryCorbyn arrives in Port Talbot on mission to save steel industry
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has just spoken to the steel workers in Port Talbot.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has just spoken to the steel workers in Port Talbot.
Corbyn says he is in Wales to “try and save our steel industry”, declaring:Corbyn says he is in Wales to “try and save our steel industry”, declaring:
In saving our steel industry we’re saving the future, for thousands of families not only in Port Talbot but all over the country.In saving our steel industry we’re saving the future, for thousands of families not only in Port Talbot but all over the country.
The steel industry is vital for the country, he continues, as its products are used in so many other industries, from food and drink to the railways.The steel industry is vital for the country, he continues, as its products are used in so many other industries, from food and drink to the railways.
And Corbyn also challenges the government to give steel more support - and a pledge to use British steel for infrastructure projects.And Corbyn also challenges the government to give steel more support - and a pledge to use British steel for infrastructure projects.
He says:He says:
We need a government that is prepared to intervene and say there should be strategic produrement of steel from steelworks in Britain for the railways, the bridges and the buildings and all the other things we are constructing in this country.We need a government that is prepared to intervene and say there should be strategic produrement of steel from steelworks in Britain for the railways, the bridges and the buildings and all the other things we are constructing in this country.
More in a moment...More in a moment...
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.10pm BSTat 5.10pm BST
4.57pm BST4.57pm BST
16:5716:57
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has now arrived in Port Talbot to meet with steel workers.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has now arrived in Port Talbot to meet with steel workers.
4.53pm BST4.53pm BST
16:5316:53
Petition to recall parliament hits 10k, and rising....Petition to recall parliament hits 10k, and rising....
That was quick! Jeremy Corbyn’s petition for parliament to be recalled to debate the steel crisis has reached 10,000 signatures after just two hours.That was quick! Jeremy Corbyn’s petition for parliament to be recalled to debate the steel crisis has reached 10,000 signatures after just two hours.
This means the government has to officially respond:This means the government has to officially respond:
Unofficially, Downing Street has already been telling reporters that there are no plans to bring MPs back from their Easter break.Unofficially, Downing Street has already been telling reporters that there are no plans to bring MPs back from their Easter break.
The petition is here:The petition is here:
Call on David Cameron to act to protect our steel industry & recall ParliamentCall on David Cameron to act to protect our steel industry & recall Parliament
4.48pm BST4.48pm BST
16:4816:48
David Cameron is planning to speak by phone to Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones later this afternoon, government insiders say.David Cameron is planning to speak by phone to Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones later this afternoon, government insiders say.
He’s then expected to hold the crisis meeting in London tomorrow morning.He’s then expected to hold the crisis meeting in London tomorrow morning.
4.47pm BST4.47pm BST
16:4716:47
A couple more photos from Sajid Javid’s (flying) visit to Australia:A couple more photos from Sajid Javid’s (flying) visit to Australia:
Dinner jacketed Business Secretary tells his audience in Sydney "it's a pleasure to be in Australia" pic.twitter.com/VpGD8Tn2jBDinner jacketed Business Secretary tells his audience in Sydney "it's a pleasure to be in Australia" pic.twitter.com/VpGD8Tn2jB
On @ITVEveningNews watch @sajidjavid attend black-tie dinner in Sydney (before he's told to return) #PortTalbot pic.twitter.com/HrN1QGRKOgOn @ITVEveningNews watch @sajidjavid attend black-tie dinner in Sydney (before he's told to return) #PortTalbot pic.twitter.com/HrN1QGRKOg
4.36pm BST4.36pm BST
16:3616:36
Is this the moment that the business secretary decided to cut his Australia trip short?....Is this the moment that the business secretary decided to cut his Australia trip short?....
Sajid Javid at Sydney dinner (New South Wales). Moments later he's ordered back to deal with jobs (in South Wales) pic.twitter.com/euFh69HPxlSajid Javid at Sydney dinner (New South Wales). Moments later he's ordered back to deal with jobs (in South Wales) pic.twitter.com/euFh69HPxl
4.25pm BST4.25pm BST
16:2516:25
Steel crisis: What the readers saySteel crisis: What the readers say
Martin BelamMartin Belam
Earlier today we asked Guardian readers to give their views on the steel crisis (here).Earlier today we asked Guardian readers to give their views on the steel crisis (here).
We asked three different questions - here’s our pick of the responses...We asked three different questions - here’s our pick of the responses...
Q1: How do you think the British and Welsh governments should react to Tata Steel’s intentions?Q1: How do you think the British and Welsh governments should react to Tata Steel’s intentions?
The government should intervene and purchase Tata steel - at a good negotiated price. This is not about globalization, it is about China dumping its own product. This is also a strategic sector. Allowing the Chinese to take control of the market through irregular means would place the UK in a disadvantaged position. This effort should also signal the UK’s decision to act through its own policy and also signal intent to get EU to act in defence of the sector and open-market policies: not to allow these types of market distorting behaviours. Until China and other countries act fairly, the UK should protect its industry.The government should intervene and purchase Tata steel - at a good negotiated price. This is not about globalization, it is about China dumping its own product. This is also a strategic sector. Allowing the Chinese to take control of the market through irregular means would place the UK in a disadvantaged position. This effort should also signal the UK’s decision to act through its own policy and also signal intent to get EU to act in defence of the sector and open-market policies: not to allow these types of market distorting behaviours. Until China and other countries act fairly, the UK should protect its industry.
Name withheld, EnglandName withheld, England
Given that there is no way that we can compete with the global cheapness of the steel imports, I feel we should let the market take its course and let the plant go. The money we would have spent trying to save a dying industry we can reinvest in training and creating new jobs in an area where the UK is now leading the way, finance.Given that there is no way that we can compete with the global cheapness of the steel imports, I feel we should let the market take its course and let the plant go. The money we would have spent trying to save a dying industry we can reinvest in training and creating new jobs in an area where the UK is now leading the way, finance.
Keith Penfold, Haywards HeathKeith Penfold, Haywards Heath
It’s all too easy to shut these plants down and put the work force out on the street. It is a financial decision for the moment but steel prices will rise and when it does the UK will have a gun to its head because foreign suppliers will know that we have not got the plants to switch back on. All of this will cost the country dear in the long term. I am just an ordinary retired working bloke but even I can see the devastating effects this will have on our great country. From a lifetime Conservative voter come on Mr Cameron, these are very special circumstances.It’s all too easy to shut these plants down and put the work force out on the street. It is a financial decision for the moment but steel prices will rise and when it does the UK will have a gun to its head because foreign suppliers will know that we have not got the plants to switch back on. All of this will cost the country dear in the long term. I am just an ordinary retired working bloke but even I can see the devastating effects this will have on our great country. From a lifetime Conservative voter come on Mr Cameron, these are very special circumstances.
Name withheld, WorcestershireName withheld, Worcestershire
Q2: What do you think the impact will be on communities near to the existing steel works?Q2: What do you think the impact will be on communities near to the existing steel works?
If steelworks are allowed to close the effect on communities will be as devastating as that of the mines closing. Communities which are dependent on one industry take decades to recover during which time health, education and welfare all suffer irreversible damage.If steelworks are allowed to close the effect on communities will be as devastating as that of the mines closing. Communities which are dependent on one industry take decades to recover during which time health, education and welfare all suffer irreversible damage.
Liz Taylor, BristolLiz Taylor, Bristol
Q3: Summarise in one sentence, if you can, what the steel industry means to youQ3: Summarise in one sentence, if you can, what the steel industry means to you
The steel industry means nothing to me personally, but as a nation we depend on having our own steel production for so many of the things we do : we cannot afford to lose the skills and plant to enable us to be independent in steel production.The steel industry means nothing to me personally, but as a nation we depend on having our own steel production for so many of the things we do : we cannot afford to lose the skills and plant to enable us to be independent in steel production.
Andy Miles, LeicestershireAndy Miles, Leicestershire
Like chimney sweeps, an outdated occupation.Like chimney sweeps, an outdated occupation.
Sean Kirby, East YorksSean Kirby, East Yorks
4.16pm BST4.16pm BST
16:1616:16
Britain’s steel industry was once the envy of the world. But in recent decades, it has experienced economic problems, industrial disputes, privatisation, mergers, and relentless competition from abroad.Britain’s steel industry was once the envy of the world. But in recent decades, it has experienced economic problems, industrial disputes, privatisation, mergers, and relentless competition from abroad.
Here’s a two-minute history:Here’s a two-minute history:
4.05pm BST4.05pm BST
16:0516:05
Javid: Nationalisation isn't the solutionJavid: Nationalisation isn't the solution
Business secretary Sajid Javid has spoken to reporters in Australia, before leaping on a flight back to the UK.Business secretary Sajid Javid has spoken to reporters in Australia, before leaping on a flight back to the UK.
He said steel was “absolutely vital for the country”, but wasn’t convinced that nationalisation was the solution.He said steel was “absolutely vital for the country”, but wasn’t convinced that nationalisation was the solution.
Here’s the full statement:Here’s the full statement:
“I’m deeply concerned about the situation. I think it’s absolutely clear that the UK steel industry is absolutely vital for the country and we will look at all viable options to keep steel making continuing in Port Talbot.“I’m deeply concerned about the situation. I think it’s absolutely clear that the UK steel industry is absolutely vital for the country and we will look at all viable options to keep steel making continuing in Port Talbot.
We are also very much alive to the human cost and we want to make sure no worker is left behind so where workers are affected that we are doing everything we possibly can to help them and their families.”We are also very much alive to the human cost and we want to make sure no worker is left behind so where workers are affected that we are doing everything we possibly can to help them and their families.”
“At this stage, given the announcement from Tata has just come out, it’s important I think we talk to them properly and understand the exact situation and we look at all viable option.“At this stage, given the announcement from Tata has just come out, it’s important I think we talk to them properly and understand the exact situation and we look at all viable option.
I don’t think nationalisation is going to be the solution because I think everyone would want a long-term viable solution.I don’t think nationalisation is going to be the solution because I think everyone would want a long-term viable solution.
“And if you look around Europe and elsewhere I think nationalisation is rarely the answer, particularly if you take into account the big challenges the industry faces.”“And if you look around Europe and elsewhere I think nationalisation is rarely the answer, particularly if you take into account the big challenges the industry faces.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.22pm BSTat 4.22pm BST