Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill

Mark Ferguson Excerpts

2nd reading
Saturday 12th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mark Ferguson (Gateshead Central and Whickham) (Lab)]

I thank the Secretary of State for his speech and his decisive action. This will be a meaningful day for the people of Scunthorpe. I know how important jobs in the steel industry are. Davy Roll, otherwise known as Union Electric Steel, has stood at the heart of Gateshead, in our town centre, for over 150 years. It is the only cast steel roll maker left in the country and it is at risk of closure. Steel is incredibly important for our future, and the Government are taking decisive action.

I am reminded today of a place close to my constituency. Ten years ago, the people of Redcar were let down. I pay tribute to Members, including my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Anna Turley), for their campaigning. At the time, Redcar had the second most efficient blast furnace in Europe, and yet it was abandoned, along with 2,300 jobs. A proud town was let down. Today, Scunthorpe and Redcar have learned the difference a Labour Government make and the difference decisiveness makes: they save jobs and change lives.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Thank you for that. If Members can keep contributions to around three minutes, that will be helpful. I call Liz Saville Roberts.