BRITAIN NEEDS BRITISH STEEL

Hundreds march in fight to save 'most vital' industry

- BEN GLAZE

STEELWORKERS marched on Westminster yesterday pleading with ministers to save their jobs.

Unions and bosses fear the sector could be doomed unless the Government slashes energy costs and helps it move to greener production.

They fear ministers are preparing for "managed decline" of the sector.

Union leaders joined an estimated 250 workers wearing hi-vis jackets and hard hats, waving flags and holding placards at a Trafalgar Square rally.

They are concerned the Government will rely on imports of cheap foreign steel to help slash UK carbon emissions rather than fund a "green transition for British firms.

Protesters marched down Whitehall chanting "Save our steel!" as cars beeped their horns. A motorist in a gold Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow offered a thumbs-up, while well-wishers along the route backed the steelworkers' fight.