Part of 2. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:13 pm on 6 June 2017.
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?