Rt Hon Dr Denis MacShane

Labour Party | Rotherham

Huge support for 'save our steel' petition

6 July 2009

Local MPs Denis MacShane and John Healey along with Council Leader Roger Stone, church leaders, steelworkers and others launched the 'Save our Steel' petition in Rotherham on Friday 3rd July.

There was also a 'Save our Steel' campaign stand at South Yorkshire Festival at Wortley Hall on 4th July.

In the 48 hours following its launch, the petition collected over 900 signatures and many people have taken copies away to enable family, friends and work colleagues to sign – such is the solidarity of the South Yorkshire community.

Denis MacShane MP said "Rotherham people were really pleased to have a tangible way of showing their support for our steel workers and steel industry. I did an event earlier with the British Heart Foundation at their Frederick St shop and within minutes of dropping a petition form on the counter it was half full.

"I shall be in the town centre next Friday and Saturday collecting more signatures and would invite everyone who wants to save our steel industry to come along and add their name. Otherwise call my Rotherham constituency office on 01709 837577 and we'll e-mail or post forms out to people.

"This is an urgent call to Rotherham people to sign up by 14th July in order that I can present the petition to Parliament on behalf of the people of Rotherham.

John Healey MP said "After all the glorious weather Rotherham has had this week we ended up launching this petition in torrential rain, but in the first hour we had over 300 signatures. I have copies of the petition in my constituency office in Wath and would urge people to call in and sign it"

Cllr Roger Stone OBE, Leader of Rotherham Council said "It was great to see so many Rotherham people stepping forward to sign this petition. I am fully behind our MPs in their drive to make sure that the voice of Rotherham citizens can be heard and I hope as many as possible from across Rotherham's varied community will sign it. Copies are available in the Town Hall."