We will do all we can to help the workforce affected by the Corus announcement. But my case to you is this. The advantages of our economy are strong and provided we carry on the policies of economic stability, and now add to them policies which deal with chronic under-investment in skills, science, transport and basic infrastructure, we can help our businesses prosper through the change and restructuring affecting every country today in the industrialised world. His comments contrast with the stance of the Conservatives, who blame the government for the Corus job losses, saying they have ignored the needs of manufacturing industry. Mr Portillo said taxation was at the heart of the matter.
People talk of the old and new economies but that, too, is an artificial distinction.
At the same time as Mr Blair's speech union leaders met to decide how best to fight the cuts with neither industrial action nor some form of company boycott ruled out. The Anglo-Dutch company, which includes the former British Steel, was severely criticised by unions, MPs and ministers for not consulting the government or the Welsh Assembly before announcing its plans. Night-time justice to be tested McLeish to unveil legislative plans Links to more UK Politics stories are at the foot of the page.