Lord Haskins, Chair of the Humber LEP, said: “The steel industry is a vital part of the Humber economy, providing thousands of jobs, and it is also of strategic importance to the United Kingdom as a whole.

“We recognise that the current market is challenging. However it must be a national priority to ensure that steel can be produced in Scunthorpe and other parts of the country long into the future. Every possible option should be explored to enable this to happen.

“We are committed to working with British Steel, Government, North Lincolnshire Council and other parties to strive towards the best possible outcome for the Scunthorpe site and the people and businesses which depend on it.”

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