Corby Tories call on council to work with MP over Tata sale
The motion, which will be debated at the full council meeting on Thursday, April 21, calls for the council to work with the town’s MP, Tom Pursglove, to campaign for the best deal for Corby steelworkers, to offer support and guidance to those affected by the changes, and to actively work to preserve jobs.
The motion, proposed by leader of the Corby Conservatives Cllr Rob McKellar, says; “Steel and tube making is an enormous part of Corby’s history and the steel industry continues to employ large numbers of people in the borough today.
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Hide Ad“Following the recent announcement that Tata Steel is to sell its UK business and the resultant threat to jobs in Corby, this council resolves to support Corby’s steelworkers and to actively promote the preservation of jobs.
“This council further resolves to work in partnership with Tom Pursglove MP to ensure that the best deal for Corby’s steelworkers is achieved from the Tata sale and to offer support and guidance to those affected.”
Following Tata Steel’s announcement, Mr Pursglove delivered a letter to the Prime Minister seeking his assistance.
On a visit to the Tata site in Corby with Mr Pursglove, Government Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise Anna Soubry MP said tube making in Corby does have a future.
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Hide AdMeanwhile Cabinet Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills Sajid Javid MP has been in Mumbai holding talks with Tata business leaders.
Cllr McKellar said: “It is vitally important that elected representatives work together on a cross-party basis to secure the best deal for Corby’s steelworkers.
“While it seems the sale by Tata may be inevitable, there is a role for government to play at both national and local levels in securing the right buyer, with job protection at the forefront of our minds.”