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William and Kate raise UK steel crisis with Indian PM

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have discussed "the pressures facing steel manufacturers in the UK and India" with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources have told the Press Association.

The royal couple spoke to Mr Modi during a lunch meeting, as they continued their tour of India.

It comes as an emergency debate on the steel crisis is held in the Commons.

Shadow Business Secretary Angela Eagle accused the government of "indifference and incompetence" in dealing with the crisis, and an "ideologically driven reluctance to get involved as the crisis has deepened".

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Javid: 'Tories taking real action to save UK steel'

Sajid Javid described the global steel crisis as a "human tragedy" Credit: House of Commons

Business Secretary Sajid Javid described the global steel crisis as a "human tragedy", saying the Government was "deeply concerned" with the UK situation.

But speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Javid said that the Government had left "no stone unturned" in its attempts to sell British steel.

He added that the Conservatives were taking "real action" to support the UK industry.

Steelmakers have been paid £76 million already to compensate for energy bills, a figure expected to rise to £100 million by the end of 2016.

Meanwhile, energy intensive industries will be exempted from future renewable policy costs, saving the steel industry over £400 million, Javid said.

He added that the Government's willingness to "co-invest" in Tata Steel with a commercial partner was evidence of its commitment to save the industry.

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William and Kate raise UK steel crisis with Indian PM

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