News from Sheffield Labour

Call to recognise wartime contribution of ‘women of steel’

Sheffield Attercliffe MP Clive Betts MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons supporting the campaign for the official national recognition of the enormous contribution made by South Yorkshire’s Women of Steel.

The Early Day Motion reads:

That this House

* recognises the enormous contribution to the war effort made by the ‘Women of Steel’ who played such a valuable role in the 2nd World War carrying out crucial jobs in South Yorkshire’s steel and engineering industries producing vital parts for planes, tanks and bullets;

* welcomes four representatives of the Women to Parliament on 13th January;

* notes they are to meet with the Minister for Veterans and to visit Downing Street;

* hopes that, as a result of the campaign lead by the The Star newspaper, the Government will formally recognise their contribution at a national level.

The Early Day Motion has already received the support of MPs Richard Caborn, David Blunkett and Angela Smith.

Clive Betts said:

“I am delighted and honoured to promote this resolution in the House of Commons.

I am sure that it will attract considerable support from Members of Parliament.

My colleagues and I will be doing all we can to secure national recognition of the enormous contribution to British and European history of the women of South Yorkshire.

I am pleased that it was this Government which appointed a Minister for Veterans and which has taken action on a number of fronts to officially recognize the contributions that were made by civilians as well as those in the armed forces.

I know that the Minister for Veterans is very sympathetic to this campaign.”

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• Paul Blomfield MP slams Tory "ambush" of Government Fair Access Director - 8 February 2012
• Angela Smith MP highlights economic problems faced by Barnsley - 7 February 2012