Steel Industry

Debate between Stephen Crabb and Nic Dakin

Wednesday 28th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Crabb]

As we debate this crisis today, we rightly make the thousands of workers in the steel industry and their families, who have faced devastating news about their jobs, and the many more who are working with the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the industry at this time, the central and primary focus of our concerns. When an individual loses their job, the pressures it creates can be a tragedy for their family and themselves. When whole communities are affected by large-scale job losses, the impact can be devastating—I completely recognise that.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

I am pleased that the Secretary of State is now looking forward, because I, along with my colleagues on the other side of the House, have been talking about the needs of the steel industry in our community since being elected to Parliament in 2010. We need to look forward together and work together to build a better future. It just so happens that it is his Government who can make decisions now, not anybody else.

[Stephen Crabb]

I completely take the hon. Gentleman’s points and I pay tribute to the work he does on behalf of his constituents.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Nic Dakin]

Minister!

[Stephen Crabb]

—and what more the Government can do to boost productivity and help steel manufacturers to cut production costs.

[Nic Dakin]

Minister!

[Stephen Crabb]

The UK’s steel industry is part of the foundation of many of the nation’s great, world-beating supply chains—

[Nic Dakin]

Minister!

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Natascha Engel)]

Order. The Secretary of State has indicated that he is not giving way. Shouting “Minister!” from a sedentary position is not going to help anyone.

Let me also say that Members who are included in a very long list of speakers and who make constant interventions will not be called. We shall not be able to fit everyone in as it is, but if the interventions are kept to a minimum, we may have a chance of getting a little way down the list.