Ministers are seeking a role in EU level talks on steel dumping.

Business minister Fergus Ewing has called for the Scottish Government to be part of talks planned by secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Sajid Javid on steel dumping this week.

A shift in market conditions caused by a flood of cheap imports, particularly from China, was blamed as Tata Steel announced the closure of its Scottish plants last week.

The move comes ahead of a statement to Parliament on Tuesday and the first meeting of the Scottish Steel Task Force this Thursday.

Mr Ewing said: “Steel dumping has been crippling the UK steel industry yet the UK government’s approach been completely inadequate for too long. I welcome the secretary of state’s belated recognition that he urgently needs to do something about it.

“Given the devastating impact that steel dumping has on the Scottish industry, I would like to see the Scottish Government have representation in EU talks to address the problem.

“The UK government can also be taking action now and bring forward help for industries with high energy costs.”

The cross party Task Force will meet in Hamilton this Thursday. Members will be updated on efforts find a viable future for Dalzell and Clydebridge, support for the workforce and potential impacts on local communities and the supply chain.

Mr Ewing added: “The Scottish Government’s priority is find a buyer to continue with commercial production and keep as many jobs as possible. Everyone on the Task Force knows how challenging that will be, but we will explore every possible option as fast as possible to meet that shared aim. We will not give up on the steel industry and the workers.”