The Member may be aware of numerous forms of support that the Welsh Government has been able to offer Ford over many years. In fact, since 1978, Ford in Bridgend has benefited to the tune of approximately £140 million. Since the dawn of devolution, we’ve been able to support Ford with skills training packages, with capital expenditure, with infrastructure support, and we stand ready to do that again. In particular, I’m keen to ensure that we draw down and utilise research and development funding, so that we can attract new forms of engine manufacturing, and new forms of motor development to Wales, and specifically to Ford. I’d like to explore the opportunity for joint ventures between Ford and other original equipment manufacturers, because I do believe that when it comes to electric vehicles in particular, there are huge opportunities to be had in OEMs working more closely together. And if Welsh Government can facilitate an agreement between Ford and another manufacturer, we would happily do so, and we would support any joint venture, with financial support, if required and if viable.

Now, in terms of the FMs visit to the United States, the First Minister has already announced, during his trip to the United States, a further investment by GE, and I think that demonstrates how we have a strong track record as a Government of securing additional work for existing investors in Wales. We will go on doing that with Ford. But I must stress again that I have spoken with the decision maker in Ford. I will meet again with the decision maker in Ford to constantly press upon her the loyalty of the workforce, the skills at the plant, the track record of this Government working with Ford, the investment that we placed in it, and, above all, the interest that Ford itself should have in being in one of the most productive countries in western Europe.