David Miliband vows to make Corus a priority if he becomes Labour leader
DAVID Miliband has promised to make Corus and other UK industry a priority if he is successful in his fight to lead the Labour party.
The MP for South Shields pledged his support during a flying visit to the site's railway track testing depot, where he saw safety checks on the 200 foot lengths of steel track in action.
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Labour leadership contender David Miliband is shown around the Corus plant at Scunthorpe by rail centre plant manager Nick Bates.
Mr Miliband visited Corus to learn more about local industry and to meet with members of the Community union, which has publicly backed his bid to head up the Labour party.
Speaking exclusively to the Scunthorpe Telegraph after his tour, Mr Miliband said: "Given we have an example here at Corus of servicing the national rail infrastructure, we have an example of why public investment in private enterprise is important.
"A growing economy needs a strong transport infrastructure and Corus is able to service and support that infrastructure.
"I think Labour tends to be a party for supporting wealth creation."
Mr Miliband got a rare look inside the enormous Corus site, taking in the giant sheds where the rails are housed and the high-tech control room where imperfections are vetted.
Chatting with Nick Bates, plant manager, Mr Miliband said he was "very impressed" by the operation and the staff's emphasis on the safety of those who would use the finished product.
In addition to the walkaround, he fitted in a 20 minute meeting with Community where members said they were pleased with his "genuine interest" in Corus and the people of North Lincolnshire.
Sean Scorer, Community's representative for the rod mill and vice chairman of the works' multi union, said: "It's important he chose Scunthorpe, it was him who initially asked for the meeting with members.
"He was very supportive and it was clear he got the message that the steel works are the life blood of Scunthorpe.
"Community has always worked closely with the Labour party, it's important to forge these links."
Paul Fleming, from Community's regional office, added: "David has already visited Corus at Stocksbridge and members in Rotherham, so he really wanted to come to this part of the world and for the union Scunthorpe was the natural choice."
6 Comments
by Silverback, Brigg
Friday, July 30 2010, 11:27PM
“I hope David or Ed win the Labour leadership race. I knew their distant relations Steve Miller Band and Glen Millerband and they were exellent entertainers.”
by Socialist Fool, Ashby
Monday, July 26 2010, 5:33PM
“David Milibands top priority will be the career of David Miliband.”
by Watcher, crosby
Saturday, July 24 2010, 8:31AM
“Milibands will do as the White House says.”
by Ron, Broughton
Friday, July 23 2010, 12:51PM
“I'm going to make it a priority to teach 'pigs to fly' because I might need the pig-farmers vote at the next election (Assuming Labour didn't wipe out all the pig farmers!!)”
by L, Briigg
Friday, July 23 2010, 11:19AM
“isn't it great how they all want now to make these once great industries their "priority" - why didn't it occur to them when they were in government and allowed these industries to fall in foreign ownership?
Talk is cheap!!”
by Judas, Sunny Scunny
Friday, July 23 2010, 11:08AM
“"I think Labour tends to be a party for supporting wealth creation."
Well, in my wildest dreams, I never thought that anyone would ever top Elliot Morley for the quote of the decade!! Another lieboresque classic being peddled by one of Brown's generals and survivor from the bunker and his ultimate political "suicide".”