'We need a government that wants to support British industry - the Tories don't'

Steel could have a prosperous future if the government helps companies switch to greener forms of production, but Kemi Badenoch has undermined confidence Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch (

Image: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)

British Steel's decision to close its Coke Ovens in Scunthorpe, at the cost of up to 260 jobs, is yet another blow to a once proud industry.

The sector is struggling with soaring energy costs, lack of investment and increased competition from abroad.

Yet steel could have a prosperous future if the government helps companies switch to greener forms of production.

Instead, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has shaken confidence by saying it is "not a given" that the industry will survive.

Ms Badenoch should have lobbied Jeremy Hunt to demand more support for energy bills, help companies secure investment to make green steel and push for government contracts to use electricity British made steel.

Instead, she stood on the sidelines as jobs close and workers are laid off.

British steel could be used in the wind turbines that power our homes, ships and submarines that keep us safe, as well as our transport system.

The market is here. We just need a government that wants to support British industry.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (

Picture:

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