Steel faces an existential threat. Britain’s crude steel production has declined by more than 50% in the last 10 years, and today a shocking 68% of our steel comes from abroad.

I do not believe it has to be this way. I believe in Britain.

Since we took office, this Government has been working intensively to save our steel industry. This involves tough and difficult negotiations to get out of the crisis the industry has been allowed to get into. But beyond the challenges of today, we have a growth plan for tomorrow too – with a new Steel Strategy, backed by £2.5 billion to increase our UK capabilities.

This Strategy will have the potential to deliver game-changing new investment in the industry in Teesside. It will bolster the supply chain too. And it will mean buying British and making trade decisions that protect our own national interests. Steel is a strategic national asset, and it must be treated that way.

I believe that Teesside is one of the best places in the world to invest in steelmaking, thanks to our ready-to-go infrastructure, skilled workforce, and our pivotal role in industrial decarbonisation. Every day, myself and Labour colleagues are engaging with the Government to ensure Teesside remains central to the UK’s industrial strategy – and nothing will distract me from that task.