8. Urgent Question: Tata

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:39 pm on 15 February 2017.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 6:39, 15 February 2017

Cabinet Secretary, I think it is right today to recognise the commitment to the steel industry of the workforce, the trade unions, local management and Welsh Government, as other Members have stated. For me, of course, Llanwern is a real priority and a major concern, and, as with other steel plants, the workforce at Llanwern have shown great commitment over the years, constantly retraining, adapting to new systems, showing great flexibility and, it must be said, enduring successive cuts to jobs and production. But, we know that the steel industry is an industry with a real future in Wales, as well as a great history and past. So, as with Hannah Blythyn, I would like to plead the case for my local steelworks, indeed, as with Lee Waters and others.

So, in addressing the future plans for investment, Cabinet Secretary, of Tata in Wales, will you make sure that Llanwern has a strong focus and a strong place in the discussions that you have? Particularly, of course, because, as Tata are very clear in saying, it is an integrated operation in Wales and all the component parts from Port Talbot, across the length and breadth of Wales, work together and operate in an integrated way. I think it’s clear that we have to ensure that all the component parts are a significant part of the discussions that take place and not overlooked in any way.