David Cameron blamed after more than 1,000 jobs axed at Tata Steel
The losses, mostly in South Wales, mean almost 5,000 jobs have disappeared from the steel industry since last summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Cameron’s “cheerleading” for trade deals with China has been blamed for another devastating blow to the steel community, as more than 1,000 jobs were axed at Tata Steel plants.
The losses, mostly in South Wales, mean almost 5,000 jobs have disappeared from the steel industry since last summer as firms struggle with high energy costs, business rates and cheap Chinese imports.
Tata confirmed workers’ fears when they unveiled plans to cut 750 posts at the huge Port Talbot plant in South Wales, while 200 support staff elsewhere would be axed. Other jobs are going at Hartlepool, County Durham, and Northamptonshire.
Karl Koehler, chief executive of Tata Steel’s European operations, appeared to blame the European Union for the losses.
He said: “I know this news will be unsettling for all those affected, but these tough actions are critical in the face of extremely difficult market conditions which are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
“We need the European Commission to accelerate its response to unfairly traded imports and increase the robustness of its actions. Not doing so threatens the future of the entire European steel industry.”
The Government came under attack from unions and Labour for doing “too little, too late”. The Shadow Business Secretary, Angela Eagle, said there was “very little concrete action” from the Government.
Roy Rickhuss, of the Community union, was among the trade union leaders who angrily accused ministers of doing too little to support steel workers. “If David Cameron wants to support the steel industry and make sure his Government doesn’t preside over the end of steel-making in the UK, then he needs to stop being weak on China,” he said.
“Everyone in the industry is clear that unfairly traded Chinese steel is the biggest contributor to the UK steel crisis and yet the Prime Minister and his Government are cheerleading for China in Europe."
David Cameron said there was a worldwide glut and over-production of steel, affecting countries around the world.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments