Newsquest can claim to have the ear of many in the corridors of power – if the recent lobbying of MPs about steel job losses is anything to go by.

After Corus announced 6,000 job losses last month, Newsquest editors were asked to write to their MPs and the Prime Minister demanding intervention to save jobs and bring investment to South Wales and Teesside.

The South Wales Argus and The Northern Echo have been the focus of the group effort with the editors of both titles overwhelmed by the support that has poured in from around the country.

Argus editor Gerry Keighley said: “Many of our editors have copied me in on the masses of responses, all supportive, both from their MPs and from the Prime Minister’s office and we must be having a major impact.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see support from areas that have few links to steel.

“I want to thank my colleagues and assure of them of my support if they find themselves in similar circumstances.

“As to the battle itself, although we are still hopeful that the plants at Newport and Ebbw Vale can be kept open, if they can’t we will be looking for major government and European assistance to help rebuild our communities.”

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, added: “Replies have beenreceived from all North-East MPs and others from around the country.

“It remains to be seen how flexible Corus will be but the company cannot have failed to feel the strength of feeling both here in the North-East and in Wales.

“I know from the reaction of the steel unions and ordinary people just how much the depth of the support across the country has been appreciated.”

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or to e-mail us now – click here