The workers of Teesside have been let down by an economic system that puts profit before people and by politicians who have no allegiance to those they purport to represent. Notwithstanding the limitations of the nation state, it is currently the most effective entity for protecting the needs of local populations unless, as in this case, its powers have been subordinated to the European Union and the country’s industrial infrastructure flogged to the highest bidder.
The demise of Redcar’s steel works (Report, 29 September) is but the latest blow to an area that, since the 19th-century discovery of iron ore in the nearby Cleveland hills, has contributed untold wealth to the UK’s coffers from its steel and chemical industries.
Down the road from the works, SITA is building a waste energy plant but, instead of using the pool of available labour from those who are part of an 8.5% unemployment rate, it is exploiting EU regulations by importing workers from overseas to undercut agreed union rates of pay.
It comes as no surprise that there is widespread scepticism among trade unionists about the benefits of remaining in an EU that is used as a vehicle by politicians and employers alike to push a neoliberal agenda for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many.
Bert Schouwenburg
International officer, GMB
• Perhaps the reinstated rail upgrades and even HS2 could be built with British steel. Ssshh, keep this a secret from the Chinese – even those in my own family!
Mike Cobb
Stanford-le-Hope, Essex
• Which country is less secure – one that does not possess its own weapons of mass destruction, or one that cannot make its own steel?
John Wilson
London
