NORTH-EAST MPs have held urgent Government talks over a North-East steel mills sale.

A debate took place this morning (Thursday, October 16) after it was announced yesterday that Gary Klesch is bidding to buy Tata Steel’s European long products business.

The proposed sale, which has sparked fears over 750 jobs, includes Teesside Beam Mill, at Lackenby, near Redcar.

A number of local MPs probed Business Minister Matthew Hancock on the proposals, asking for answers over job security and the long-term future of the industry in the North-East.

Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool, asked what commitments the Government could make about supporting steel posts and how binding the new investment was.

Tom Blenkinsop called for talks with unions and the company.

The MP for Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland, added: “We don’t want to be here in a few years time again.”

Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat MP for Redcar, said: “This is not just Scunthorpe.

“The beam mill makes products of such quality.

“The Government must do everything to protect this.”

Mr Hancock responded by saying the Government was speaking to the companies and would support workers whatever the outcome.

He added: “The steel industry has an important role to play in generating future economic growth, it underpins a number of key advanced manufacturing sectors and sustains the livelihoods of many local communities.

“Decisions on company ownership are of course commercial matters for the companies involved.

“Nevertheless, we are working with the metals sector to develop further our metals industrial strategy and we believe there is a sustainable long term future for the steel industry in the UK.”