THE Government must make Teesside steel a priority in future construction work, an MP has claimed.

Anna Turley says British Steel’s North-East operations can play a key role in developments.

Ms Turley, MP for Redcar, was speaking after visiting the Teesside Beam Mill, near Lackenby, which is now owned by Greybull Capital.

The investor rebranded the business when it bought Tata Steel's Long Products division, which employs more than 600 workers in the North-East.

Greybull has pledged a £400m package to support day-to-day operations, which focus on heavy industrial steelwork and include a special profiles plant, in Skinningrove, east Cleveland, and a smaller finishing base in Darlington.

Ms Turley, who last year campaigned to save Redcar’s SSI UK works, said: “It has been a tough year for steel on Teesside.

“But I am delighted to celebrate the return of British Steel, the safeguarding of jobs and the return of a world-renowned brand.

“I am hopeful that when the Government talks of supporting British produce, it puts British Steel at Teesside Beam Mill at the top of the pile.”

Richard Sims, British Steel’s product director for sections and special profiles, added: “We are hugely proud of our business.

“We were delighted to showcase this to Anna, who showed a great understanding of steelmaking.

“Her pledge to continue supporting the industry is greatly appreciated.”

Greybull says British Steel has already turned a profit.

However, the future of Tata’s remaining UK assets, which include the 600-job Hartlepool pipe mills, remains unclear.

The company previously announced it wanted to sell its loss-making British plants after suffering from lower prices, increased imports and higher energy costs.