Part of 2. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:56 pm on 24 May 2016.
Yes, I’ve met with two of the organisations who’ve put forward an expression of interest. The heavy end is absolutely crucial to the future of our steel industry within the UK, and I’ve made that very clear. Nor would I support any potential deal that saw the diminution of pension rights on behalf of either the pensioners or the workers who are currently working for Tata. That is absolutely crucial. Tomorrow, Tata will have their board meeting—I will be in Mumbai tomorrow—and they will be looking to take a decision, we understand, to reduce the expressions of interest down to a shortlist. What is encouraging, of course, is that there are businesses out there that are looking seriously at ensuring the future of our steel industry and, importantly, of course, not just picking off the most profitable bits, but ensuring that the heavy end of Port Talbot continues.