I welcome the news that £50 million will be invested into Liberty Steel, but we need a long-term, sustainable plan for the British Steel industry and the jobs it provides. My ongoing priority is not only to ensure that the jobs at Liberty Steel in Hartlepool are protected but also that new, high-skilled jobs are created in Hartlepool.
Just this morning I visited a modern production plant in Hartlepool Docks, run by STRABAG, where tens of thousands of concrete segments will be manufactured to support the development of HS2. This will mean 100 manufacturing and 40 construction jobs in Hartlepool, and millions in new investment for the constituency.
The news from STRABAG is clear evidence that the levelling up agenda is working, bringing very real benefits to the people of Hartlepool. I am committed to showcasing the wealth of talent and skills that the Hartlepool workforce has to offer, demonstrating to all companies – not only in the manufacturing and construction sectors – that Hartlepool is open for business.