I’d like to thank Adam Price for his questions and say that our objective is in averting what could be a crisis, as outlined by the Member. I recognise fully the considerable skills that are apparent at the Bridgend plant, the loyalty of the workforce and, clearly, the anxiety that will be felt by workers and their families right now. There is also a risk not just to the automotive sector in south Wales, but to the supply chain that benefits from the existence of Ford here, and to the wider Welsh economy. And, for that reason, we are absolutely determined to do everything we can to ensure that Ford finds new opportunities, new products to bring to Bridgend, in the next decade.

I spoke with the vice-president because the vice-president is the person who will make the decision on Ford in Europe and, therefore, on Ford in Bridgend. But I’ve been very clear that if there is anybody else that needs to be engaged anywhere around the world, including in the United States, I would be happy to do so. But it is my firm belief now that it is the vice-president that ultimately will be making future decisions about the plant and where products in Europe will be manufactured.

The detail of what has been presented this morning is a worst-case scenario for the Bridgend plant if no new products are secured in the next decade. That is why I am determined to work with not just the company, but also with the workforce and their representatives in the unions, to identify the opportunities that Ford itself has spoken about being able to attract to Bridgend. I wish to, in the coming weeks and coming years, understand better what specific products Ford Europe are looking to bring to Bridgend, so that we as a Welsh Government can continue to support the company, as we have done since the dawn of devolution. There is no doubt that the loss of EU membership does pose a very significant challenge for Ford in Bridgend and, indeed, the automotive industry across Wales and the UK. All of the engines produced there go to Europe to then be sold back within Ford automobiles. And that’s the reason why the First Minister has been absolutely consistent throughout the Brexit talks that our top priority must be free and unfettered access to the single market, as made clear in the White Paper.

I do believe that in order to avert the crisis that the Member talks of, we need to have a more meaningful engagement from the UK Government, and what is surely good for Nissan is also good for Ford. I’m also keen to ensure, as I’ve spoken of on previous occasions here in the Chamber, that we secure as much of the £2 billion of research development and innovation funding announced by the UK Government for the Welsh economy and for advanced manufacturing, where we know Wales has a very proud track record. Today is a day of anxiety, there is no doubt, for the workforce, but I am determined to bring together the company, the unions and the workforce to identify the products that will give Ford Bridgend a longer term viable future.