2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:27 pm on 28 November 2017.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:27, 28 November 2017

Absolutely. We're working very closely with Aston Martin, who intend to build their new sport utility vehicle at St Athan. And, Llywydd, I cannot resist the opportunity to say that I had the opportunity to visit Aston Martin at the Gaydon plant, and had the opportunity to have a look at some of the new designs there—and they are very exciting indeed. I also met a number of the apprentices from Wales working in that plant, and their commitment is really quite something to behold.

The project does remain firmly on track, and the company's consistently set out its commitment to the UK. But it has indeed sought clarity on Brexit from the UK Government to enable it to plan appropriately. And as I said in answer to the previous Member as well, we continue to call on the UK Government, alongside Aston Martin, to come to the understanding that no deal represents a real risk to business here in Wales, and that we, absolutely, urgently need clarity on our position after Brexit and, indeed, that they take into account the needs of businesses, workers and potential investors in their approach to the Brexit negotiations, which I'm afraid we're less than sanguine that they currently are doing.