Local SNP representatives Clare Adamson MSP and Marion Fellows MP are commenting on the news from TATA Steel that 270 jobs are to go at their Scottish plants at Clydebridge and Dalzell. The Dalzell plate rolling works in Motherwell and the Clydebridge plant in Cambuslang will be mothballed as the firm cuts almost 1,200 UK jobs as a response to difficult trading conditions.
SNP MSP for Central Scotland Clare Adamson said:
“Today’s announcement is obviously deeply concerning for the employees at the site, their families and everyone in the local community and my heart goes out to everyone affected.
“Lanarkshire’s steel industry is iconic not just locally but right across Scotland – and it’s right that the First Minister has pledged to leave no stone unturned in her efforts to keep these plants open, support staff and find a way to secure the industry’s future.
“Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government have already launched the Scottish Steel Taskforce and stand ready to do everything they can to protect our steel industry – it’s now time for the UK Government to respond quickly to the industry’s demands for actions and to play their part in keeping these plants open.”
Marion Fellows SNP MP for Motherwell and Wishaw said:
‘’ This announcement from TATA is what we have been dreading. The mothballing of the plant and risk to these steel jobs is a devastating blow to the communities and families involved. The steel industry is suffering for a combination of factors – but what we must do now is all work together to find a way forward to ensure that steel has a future in Scotland’’
Ms Adamson also raised the issue of the future of the Scottish Steel Industry in a topical resolution brought before the SNP’s annual conference in Aberdeen last weekend. In her speech, Ms Adamson spoke of the important role the steel industry has played in Motherwell’s history and how devastating the loss of the Dalziel plant, which opened in the town in 1872, would be to the community.
“Conference is deeply concerned to hear reports Tata Steel is set to close Dalzell and Clydebridge steelworks, threatening the jobs of 400 workers.
Conference stands with the workforce and their families in their fight to save their jobs, and calls on the UK and Scottish Government to take immediate action, working with unions in support of that fight”.