UK sells steel back to China

Now industry needs Tories to get behind it

BRITAIN has clinched a flagship deal to sell steel back to China.

British Steel has won an order to supply the world’s biggest cargo port, which is being built in Shanghai.

The Scunthorpe-based firm is making thousands of tonnes of crane rails and other specialist parts for the £57billion Yangshan project.

Sources say cheap Chinese steel – blamed for crippling Britain’s once great industry – isn’t up to the quality needed.

The ironic about-turn comes two years after British Steel Ltd rose from the ashes after Indian company Tata Steel flogged the business for £1.

Peter Gate, British Steel managing director for special profiles, said: “We’ve developed a global reputation for quality.” The deal sparked fresh demands for the Government to do more to back Britain’s steel industry.

The Tories have so far offered no promises to use only British steel in the Royal Navy’s new ships.

The Mirror’s Save Our Steel campaign is fighting to bolster the industry.

Anna Turley, Labour MP for Redcar, said: “This deal shows our steel is still competitive and in demand in a difficult global market.

“With the right support from government – backing British steel in projects like defence and HS2 rather than buying abroad – our steel industry will thrive.”

Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, said: “It is vital the MOD considers employment and economic benefits when making procurement decisions.

“All too often we have seen large contracts shipped overseas.”

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