Andrew explains, "Myself and other Conservative Steel MPs, including Martin and Holly, met with the Prime Minister this afternoon to discuss proposals by the independent Trade Remedies Authority who have come up with proposals which would remove some of the protections for the steel industry.
"This body has come to these conclusions on the basis of an incomplete and incorrect analysis of the steel industry. That is why myself and Holly have had a number of meetings in recent days and weeks with senior Ministers to try to get these proposals amended or scrapped.
"This morning we took our case to the PM who has assured us of his urgent attention to this matter. He assured us that he shares our commitment to the future of British Steel and we hope to have more to say in the coming days and weeks.
"I am sad to say Labour locally once again are trying to use steelworkers as their own personal political play thing. Ignoring the fact on Labour's watch the number of steel jobs halved, they should be working with us constructively for a solution not using this issue for cheap political attacks. I sometimes wonder if they wouldn't prefer it if we failed in our efforts so that they could continue these political games! I hope not.
"The Prime Minister ensured that this Government paid the wages of steelworkers locally for months and ploughed millions into the Scunthorpe works to ensure its survival.
"That is why, Holly, Martin and myself are working so hard now to rectify these failed proposals by the Trade Remedies Authority. Residents and local steelworkers can be assured we are doing all we can to this end. We can't promise an overnight solution but the work continues.
"Labour's political games in Parliament and personal attacks on Holly wont do anything to help the steel sector. Hopefully, the intense work we are doing both in front of and behind the scenes will!"
