SCOTTISH STEEL TASKFORCE

Early day motion 1366, tabled 12 April 2016 by Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party). Signed by 46 members.

That this House recognises the Scottish Government's extensive efforts in finding a new owner for the steelworks at Dalzell and Clydebridge in Lanarkshire, including the establishment of the Scottish Steel Task Force, which was a constructive group of partners including Tata Steel, North and South Lanarkshire Councils, trade unions, political parties, the UK Government, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and PACE; further recognises the work carried out to encourage prospective buyers by actions such as energy efficiency measures, securing a reduction of business rates and a staff retraining fund for retained staff of £195,000; congratulates and thanks all bodies involved in securing a future for steel in Scotland resulting in retaining jobs, including Tata Steel, Dalzell and Clydebridge steelworkers and their families and trade unions; welcomes the statement by Liberty House who agreed that this would not have happened without the efforts of the Scottish Government; and particularly congratulates and recognises the efforts of Energy Minister Fergus Ewing and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in fulfilling their vow of leaving no stone unturned in finding a new owner for Scotland's steel works, forging a bright, new era for an iconic and key industry of Scotland's economy.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 39, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour 2, DUP 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.