Anger as socialists block key debate on the steel industry

Amjad Bashir MEP spoke of his dismay today after socialist-led coalition blocked a request from Conservatives for an emergency debate to be held in the European Parliament this afternoon on the plight of the steel industry. Conservative MEPs had called for a statement from the EU Commission and Council to highlight possible measures to ensure that British steel is able to compete on an international footing, following recent closures and job losses. Mr Bashir, Conservative MEP Yorkshire and The Humber, said: "I am frankly angry when some MEPs just just don't get the urgency of the threat to the steel sector. "People's jobs are being destroyed by a toxic mix of outside factors, so it is so frustrating that we have been prevented from hearing what the Commission plans to do to stop the rot. "People facing redundancy in Scunthorpe, Redcar and elsewhere will feel badly let down. "The leadership shown by UK Business Secretary Sajid Javid is welcome in calling for a special meeting of the Competitiveness Council earlier this week. "The meeting of ministers from across Europe showed strong agreement on the need to take concrete actions, including speeding up investigations into unfair trade and ensuring member states can make best use of State Aid rules." We must ensure proper enforcement of the laws of the market place, stopping anti-competitive behaviour, and giving our industry the opportunity to compete in the global market"