NEWPORT East MP Jessica Morden has called on the UK Government to maximise opportunities for UK steel in major infrastructure projects, and has paid tribute to late steelworker and union member Paul Horton.

Speaking in a debate about the future of the British steel industry, Ms Morden called on the government to “do the right thing”, and highlighted that recent data from the Department for BEIS (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) showed that Britain obtained 42 per cent of its steel from abroad.

Ms Morden also called on the government to “provide the sector with the strong foundations it needs to weather the current downturn, and be in a position to rise the next upturn when it comes”.

“This is not good enough when projects such as HS2 give us an opportunity to do better and finally get properly behind the steel charter,” she said.

In particular, Ms Morden highlighted the power of the Llanwern Steelworks, adding: “The automotive galvanised steel produced at the Zodiac plant in Llanwern is renowned for its quality across the world.

“While clouds of uncertainty still hover over the sector, there is a real passion for the industry. Steelworkers in my constituency take huge pride in what they produce.”

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Ms Morden also paid tribute to Mr Horton, who passed away suddenly on New Year’s Day aged 53, shortly after leaving the Newport's Orb Electrical Steels.

While working at Newport’s Orb plant for 38 years, he also worked as a union official and fought to save the site.

Ms Morden added: “He was a wonderful man and a passionate advocate for our steel industry.

“In mentioning him today, I want to reflect on the passion and dedication of those who work in the steel industry, and to honour his memory by carrying on the fight to save our steel.”