8. What recent discussions has the First Minister had with the UK Government regarding the future of the steel industry in Wales? OAQ(5)0625(FM)

The UK Government has lost interest in the steel industry in Wales. That is my analysis at the moment, sadly. We will continue to press the UK Government to play its full part in supporting a long-term future for the steel industry in Wales, as the Welsh Government has done.

Thank you for that answer, First Minister. I think it’s telling, the answer you’ve given. But, last week, I met with senior managers at the Port Talbot works, and we were actually discussing the progress that’s been made within the sector, and particularly in the plant. I think we all came to the conclusion that, unfortunately, there are still serious challenges ahead of the sector here in the UK, particularly in light of Brexit and the possible WTO tariffs that may be imposed if we leave without any deal. The high overcharges of energy costs are still facing us, and, of course, the global market may be shrinking, because of the US section 232 that may be going ahead on imported steel in the US. Now, steelworkers at that plant are actually breaking records in production. They are delivering on the ground and they’re showing there’s a future for steel. Unfortunately, the UK Government, so far, has failed these workers. They have failed our steel industry. They have shown scant regard in the industrial strategy and there is no mention of steel in their manifesto for this election. Do you agree with me that, just like the Welsh Government here has shown, our steel industry is safer in the hands of a UK Labour Government on 8 June?

Absolutely. We have worked hard with Tata—and, in fairness, Tata have listened—to ensure a sustainable future for our steel industry in Wales. There is the threat of Brexit. A hard Brexit would mean, in effect, that the only free market that UK steel was able to access would be the UK itself. I think that’s too small to provide a robust market. I hope that isn’t the case. We all want to see a situation where the UK can export freely to as many markets as possible, but I pay tribute to the workers in Tata. They have shown that when the going gets tough, then the tough get going. They are amongst the most productive workers that we have in Britain. They have a long and proud history and they know that when it comes to the support that they can expect, then Welsh Labour will deliver that support.