2. Urgent Question: The Ford Factory in Bridgend

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:18 pm on 7 February 2017.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 2:18, 7 February 2017

Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer? The Cabinet Secretary perhaps may not be aware of breaking news that union leaders are now so concerned for the future that they have given Ford a fortnight to come up with an alternative plan. So, there remains, of course, serious concern amongst the plant’s 1,850 workers over what the future holds. It seems that there’s been little sign of progress. That’s the position as it stands today.

Can I seek perhaps some assurances from the Government that you’ve looked at every opportunity, explored particularly the long-term future of how you can support the factory in Bridgend and also that any developments are properly communicated to the workforce and your involvement in that?

Further to that, I wonder if you could answer what discussions the Government has had about alternative opportunities for the plant, in particular given the fact that the Ford plant in Dagenham is now at full capacity, building diesel engines. What discussions have been initiated with Ford about the prospect of bringing their production of electric engines to Bridgend?

And finally, previous investment by Ford has attracted £15 million of investment by Welsh Government. What intention does the Government have to incentivise future opportunities for production at the Bridgend plant?