Trade unionists in Medway have reacted angrily to the announcement by steel giant Tata it is selling its UK plants.

Tata Steel has said it will close Port Talbot in South Wales unless it finds a buyer.

Around 5,500 jobs at the steelworks are directly at risk, but many more are employed in steel distribution, manufacturing and construction throughout the country.

Estimates vary, but up to 40,000 jobs are could be indirectly affected should no buyer be found.

Ivor Riddell, president of Medway Trades Council president which represents workers from affiliated unions across Medway and north Kent, has called for nationalisation.

He said: “The government recognises the strategic importance of steel to our economy and it should take the logical step of nationalising it.

"The government needs to get a grip" - Ivor Ridell, Trades Council

"In 2008 they bailed out the banks and RBS was nationalised because it was ‘too big to fail’; why not steel?”.

“Tata currently supply Crossrail with high quality materials, cheap imports will be no substitute and could lead to delays, lay-offs and possible redundancies to these vital infrastructure projects.

"This will directly affect our members employed locally. The government needs to get a grip and nationalise the industry now.”

Delegates and affiliates to Medway Trades Council pledged to support the call for nationalisation and will be supporting the campaign to save the South Wales plant.

It emerged over the weekend that German industrial conglomerate ThyssenKrupp is a potential buyer.

Steel magnate Sanjeev Gupta has also confirmed he is in preliminary talks with Tata.