Tied hands

News that the Government is willing to take a 25% stake in a rescue bid for Tata Steel's UK operations may eventually lead to thousands of much-needed jobs in Wales being saved.

That can only be good, though it may prove tricky to arrange, thanks to the EU’s strict competition laws.

But I am saddened that the Government did not act to save the steel jobs that were lost in the North East last year.

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The region has the worst unemployment figures in the country.

Every single job loss hurts the local economy.

The demise of the British steel industry is devastating but it is possible that much heartbreak could have been avoided if our hands had not been tied behind our backs by EU legislation.

Brussels red tape has handicapped many different types of business in the country, large and small.

Voting out on June 23 is the only sensible option.

Jonathan Arnott,

Ukip North East MEP,

Elwick Road,

Hartlepool.