I’m pleased that we are debating the need for an industrial strategy today. It’s taken, from my point of view, far too long to get to this point, when it seems that the vast majority of us are in agreement that it should be a political priority. It’s something that I know from my previous life before being elected here that the trade unions have been pressing for for a number of years, as far back as I can remember. I’m going to focus briefly on three points today. The first is steel, the economic needs of north Wales and ensuring that Welsh Government’s new economic strategy meets those economic needs of north Wales.

It’s clear that saving and sustaining the steel industry in Wales is key and the foundation industry is key not just simply in itself but also as part of any wider strategy. And whilst I welcome the UK Government’s warm words in support of British steel and the production of the UK Government’s industrial strategy, I noted with some surprise, like my colleague David Rees, that there is just one mention of steel in the 132-page document, buried away on page 91. I do acknowledge that the UK Government has talked about a potential sector-wide deal for the steel industry, but we’re still waiting to see this principle actually in practice, and we need to take that forward with some urgency now.

I’d contrast this with the proactive approach of the Welsh Government and support that has actually been recognised directly to me when dealing in my regular meetings with the workforce and management at the Shotton steel site, a site that is profitable—I can’t say enough that it’s profitable—innovative and successful, the Tata site at Shotton, and it’s one aspect of our advanced manufacturing base in north-east Wales, a priority sector that is a fundamental part of any north Wales growth deal and key to our regional economy.

Aligned with these key priority sectors, it’s crucial that we make our cross-border connections much more competitive and appealing. I welcome the Welsh Government’s announcement that next month it will consult on much-needed and long-awaited improvements to the A55 across north Wales, and I also look forward to plans for the north Wales metro to progress with pace.

As part of any growth deal for north Wales and for the region, and the Welsh Government’s overall economic strategy, we must continue to work with stakeholders and partners such as the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and the Mersey Dee Alliance, and for the Welsh Government to provide the levers to emancipate economic development across north-west and north-east Wales, something that I am personally and politically committed to.

To conclude, on the Welsh Government’s economic strategy that is now due later in the spring, I trust that this strategy will reflect and recognise regional priorities and a level of autonomy. I will hold my own future Flintshire event next month in order to ensure that the economic aspirations of my area shape the economic strategy of our nation, and through inter-governmental co-operation working with the Welsh Government, supporting our vital industries and recognising regional diversity and the value of regional stakeholders and businesses, we can build a new economy that can exceed our economic potential as a nation.