Hartlepool United football fans and residents show their support for Unite's UK steel industry campaign
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Supporters inside the Suit Direct Stadium displayed a large banner in support of a campaign by Unite the union to create and safeguard UK jobs.
Houses on Middleton Road near the football ground to the ground also put up estate agent-style signs declaring Steel Not for Sale, and flyers were distributed at the home and away turnstiles.
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Hide AdIt was part of Unite’s Workers Plan for Steel campaign which is calling on politicians to commit to a change procurement rules to let UK public contracts use 100% UK steel.
The union says it alone can create thousands of jobs.
It is also calling for a phased workers’ transition to green steel with no job losses while doubling capacity to rebuild the industry.
Hartlepool supporter and Steelies social club member Brian Minton said: “As an ex-steel worker and resident of a town with a rich history in steel manufacturing, I would like to send a message to those workers in Port Talbot whose jobs are currently threatened.
"The UK needs to lead the way in green energy, so to all politicians I say, Support UK Steel.”
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Hide AdUnite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The demand for green steel is set to increase and the UK is ideally situated to become a global leader – if the right choices are made.
"Unite will campaign relentlessly until our politicians make those choices.”
The union is calling on the government to match a Labour commitment to invest £3 billion in the UK steel industry.
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