SCORES of steelworkers from Barnsley will be better off thanks to a new government strategy which is aiming to reinvigorate the industry following years of decline, according to an MP.

Marie Tidball, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, welcomed the government’s new Steel Strategy, announced last Thursday.

It sets out the government’s plan to make Britain a world-leading steelmaking nation once again, with new production targets and trade measures.

The strategy takes bold action to protect domestic steelmaking for critical national infrastructure and defence.

This includes a new ambition for up to 50 per cent of steel used in Britain to be made in Britain, meaning that at least half of the steel used for infrastructure, energy and defence projects has to be made here.

The plan is backed by £2.5bn of investment into the UK steel industry, on top of £420m for Forgemasters and the £50m the government are spending for Speciality Steels UK, both of which employ dozens of Barnsley workers.

The latter is paying wages and pensions for local steelworkers across the two sites, and to keep the steelworks open until a new buyer is found.

Marie said: “This is a landmark moment for our steel industry.

“Steel made in our communities and across South Yorkshire once powered our nation.

“In a volatile world and in times of conflict, we need a secure, stable steel supply.

“This strategy demonstrates the government’s clear commitment to British steel produced in South Yorkshire.

“When Labour left office in 2010, Britain was producing nine million tonnes of steel.

“When the Tories left office in 2024, that was halved to just four million.

“They didn’t invest, didn’t protect our steel sites, and thousands of jobs were put at risk. Instead, our new Steel Strategy will back domestic steel producers like ours.

“I’ve been fighting for steel since day one and I know the world-leading potential our site has.

“At its peak, local workers produced 15 per cent of global defence and aerospace steel.

“I know it can reach its potential once again - the Steel Minister is optimistic that a responsible buyer will be found for Speciality Steels UK and, like me, wants to get our site restarted as soon as possible.

“People growing up in our communities have steel running through our veins.

“I’ll continue to fight for our jobs, our site and our steel communities. Steel built our past.

“Now, the government’s taking action to ensure it will shape our future, too.”