8th March 2010
James Wharton, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Stockton South, is calling on the Tees Valley's Labour MPs to end their confusion and self-interest which is damaging the prospects of finding a viable solution, and instead speak with one voice on Corus.
Coming after Labour's John Denham, the Communities Secretary, suggested that Redcar should reinvent itself to be like Margate in Kent, Mr Wharton has called for a unified final effort to save the plant.
James Wharton said:
"Our local Labour MPs do not seem to know whether they are coming or going, with calls for nationalisation one day, sale the next and even defeatist talk from some, all diluting what should be the real message.
"Teesside needs to be loud and clear and must speak with one voice and support efforts to save Corus.
"I have discussed this with Ray Mallon, who is at the centre of the campaign to save the plant, and it is clear that we are not yet at the end of the line. I've known Ray a lot of years and he wouldn't back a horse that can't win."
Mr Wharton was speaking out as it has become clear that the current position is only making a bad situation worse. In order to find a viable, sustainable solution, he is calling on all the area's MPs and other key figures to meet and speak with one voice.
"Our local MPs should be working with the likes of Steve Gibson and Ray Mallon. These are serious people who are fighting hard to deliver a solution. Their efforts are not helped by confused MPs who seem more worried about their election prospects than the future of our local economy.
“I want to know whether the region's Labour MPs have even bothered to speak to Mr Gibson. This is what they should be doing rather than just attacking him in the Gazette because he has spoken up for what he believes in.
"My message is simple. Stop playing politics with people's livelihoods and get your act together. The people of Teesside will not forgive you if you continue to get this one wrong." Tags: Stockton | 
