John Healey says a Labour government will “buy British” to reduce reliance on overseas steel and support UK manufacturing.
The Wentworth and Dearne MP and Shadow Defence Secretary added that the steel sector is a national asset for the country’s security and economy during a trip to Liberty Steel’s Aldwarke plant in Rotherham.
Liberty Steel showcased their operations, outlined their local apprenticeship scheme and talked about the development of a clean and thriving UK steel sector.
John Healey MP said: “It was a real pleasure to visit our Rotherham Liberty Steel site at Aldwarke and to talk with top company managers, shop-floor workers and talented young apprentices.
“We’re proud of our steel industry in Rotherham, and we’ve got world-class skills in our workforce producing highly specialist steel for the aerospace, defence and energy industries.
“As Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, I’ve made clear that a Labour government will bring in a “buy-British” policy to support UK manufacturing and reduce Britain’s reliance on overseas steel.
“Our British steel sector – with specialised sites like ours in Rotherham – is a national asset vital for our security and our economy.”
Liberty recently announced its strategic plan for its UK steel assets after signing a new framework agreement with its major creditors.
The steel firm also set out to recruit 20 new apprenticeship roles all based in South Yorkshire. Partnering with Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield College, the programme will equip apprentices with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the steel industry.
Jeffrey Kabel, Liberty Steel’s Chief Transformation Officer said: “It was a pleasure to welcome John Healey to our Rotherham site and to share Liberty’s UK strategic vision with him. His enthusiasm in speaking with so many Liberty colleagues was clear to see and we were delighted he was able to meet apprentices and trainers at our Training Centre.
“Liberty’s strengths in sustainable UK steel and aluminium production mean we are well-placed to play a leading role in the UK’s Net Zero strategy, and in strategic supply to the UK’s defence, aerospace and energy sectors.”
Labour’s plan to do, make and sell more in Britain is a commitment to use strategic procurement for industrial strategy.
The Labour Party has pledged a bright future for UK steel, with its plan to make the UK a world leader in clean green steel with a long-term programme of investment in clean steel technologies delivered by its National Wealth Fund.