2. Urgent Question: Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:33 pm on 13 September 2016.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 2:33, 13 September 2016

Cabinet Secretary, while it’s disappointing that the planned investment at Bridgend is being scaled back, it is reassuring to hear Ford reaffirm their commitment to the Bridgend plant and its flexible manufacturing capability. Both Ford and the unions refute the assertion that this decision is anything to do with Brexit. There have been other scare stories in recent days, saying that the announcement signals Ford’s intention to close the plant, but they are still making a major investment in the Bridgend facility. We must do everything possible to ensure that there will be no job losses as a result of Ford’s decision, but there is little we can do locally to counteract global demand. Cabinet Secretary, what discussions have the Welsh Government had with Ford regarding their future investment strategy for the Bridgend plant, and does the Welsh Government have any concerns regarding their own investment in the plant?