NORTH-EAST MPs have criticised potential Government moves to class the steel sector as a low priority in Brexit negotiations.

Anna Turley and Tom Blenkinsop have warned the industry mustn’t be treated as an afterthought in EU plans.

The Labour MPs were reacting after a leaked Department for Exiting the EU document highlighted sectors such as banking, aerospace and food and drink as priority areas.

The Government has been quoted as saying it won’t offer comment on the report, though it has said it has carried out detailed preparatory work across a number of industry sectors ahead of Brexit.

It is understood the list refers to how much attention the Government believes a sector will need during Brexit.

The UK steel industry has been hit by the effects of cheaper Chinese imports, lower prices and higher energy costs.

Redcar’s SSI UK, which struggled financially ever since relighting the former Corus blast furnace, collapsed into liquidation more than a year ago, costing thousands of jobs, while Tata has sold divisions, including Long Products, to stabilise operations.

Referring to the Government leak, Redcar MP Ms Turley, who led a campaign to save the town’s steelworks, said: “The classification of steel as a low priority in Brexit negotiations is outrageous and proves yet again ministers do not appreciate the crucial role the sector plays as a foundation industry for British manufacturing.”

Mr Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland, who is also chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Steel, added: “The steel industry can thrive in the UK given the right market environment.

“I will be seeking assurances the industry will not be an afterthought in the upcoming negotiations from the Government’s Brexit Secretary.”

Earlier this week, Tata confirmed a £100m deal to sell its Speciality Steels business to Liberty House Group.

It previously offloaded its loss-making Long Products division, which employs hundreds across the North-East and includes the Teesside Beam Mill, near Redcar, to investor Greybull Capital for £1.

The Northern Echo has revealed talks are also ongoing over the company’s Hartlepool pipe mills.

The Echo previously revealed Liberty House Group was interested in taking on sections of the operation, which processes steel for the offshore energy sector.

Tata has confirmed talks are ongoing with an unnamed party, while a Liberty spokesman said it was unable to comment.

However, industry sources say if a bid is successful, around 250 jobs could be safeguarded, with a similar number staying at Tata’s 20-inch Hartlepool mill, which the Echo understands is not for sale.