The Economy of Bridgend

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:11 pm on 6 November 2018.

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Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 2:11, 6 November 2018

Well, I spoke to their government affairs person on Thursday. I asked her a number of questions. She provide me with assurance that this is a temporary issue. It's out of Ford's hands and to do with Jaguar Land Rover, and much of it is to do, ultimately, with Brexit at the end of the day. So, Ford are major suppliers of JLR. Because JLR are in the position that they are in, then Ford have had no option but to take the action that they have, even though that action—I've received complete assurance—is temporary.

Now, of course, Ford remains the largest private employer in the Bridgend area and celebrated the production for the first Dragon engine last month. It's completely new. The production line necessary to produce it was supported by the Welsh Government, so, I'll be visiting the factory next week on 14 November to celebrate the production of that new engine, and we'll continue to work with Ford, as we have for many, many years, to ensure the plant's future in Bridgend.