I want to start by noting the amended title of this debate and I welcome the realisation that our steel industry in Wales is much more than simply one site. Whilst I recognise the importance of our foundation industry, not just to our economy but to society as a whole in Wales, it won’t surprise Members that I wish to focus my contribution today on Shotton.

I cannot emphasise enough the success of Shotton steel. Not one but two profitable, viable, innovative businesses with a highly skilled and motivated and loyal workforce committed to the future. A bright future, as I said before and I’ll say again, with the right support. On that I must credit our Government and the First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary and my colleagues in Flintshire for the support and the collective working that’s gone in to support Shotton going into the future. But like our steel industry across Wales and the UK, we need certain external factors and actions in order not just for it to survive but to thrive.

Firstly, we need a proactive or even an active UK Government that prioritise the future of our steel industry rather than the future Prime Minister. We also need, as my colleague from Aberavon said, a deal to access the single market. Now, the UKIP spokesperson said, ‘It’s all right; we’ll get trade agreements instead’, but trade agreements do not happen overnight. Our steel industry needs action right now, right away, to support its future. It’s more important than ever that the UK Government works with the Welsh Government to secure a sustainable future for our steel industry.

Finally, as an Assembly Member in Flintshire and a political product of that steel industry, now more than ever I’ll give the workforce there my reassurance that, post the EU referendum, I will be fighting for their future to make sure they are successful into the future.