6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Steel Industry

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:03 pm on 6 February 2019.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 4:03, 6 February 2019

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the motion in my name. As Members are aware, the steelworks in Port Talbot is the beating heart of my constituency, my home town, and the blast furnaces breathe the fire that comes from this Welsh dragon. To be honest, I cannot imagine the skyline of Port Talbot without those blast furnaces as part of it. I've never known it to be anything else. So, steel is part of my DNA and is very close to my heart.

Dirprwy Lywydd, it only feels like yesterday that we were debating the future of the steel industry in Wales here in this Chamber—and, I remember, in the Chamber in Tŷ Hywel, when we were recalled—but it's almost three years since the industry was in that critical position. Tata was up for sale, looking at the closure of the Port Talbot works, and the global markets were hitting the steel producers—all of them—hard. And today, I'm pleased to say the industry is in a better position. We must praise the actions of the Welsh Government to get to this point. We've also seen Tata investing in their plants, including Port Talbot. Only today they've had an announcement from the local council in Neath Port Talbot of the approval for plans to reduce dust emissions in the plant. More investment going into the works at Port Talbot. But it also looks to upskill and build the workforce as well, including a vibrant apprenticeships programme in that works—a clear sign that Tata have confidence in the future of our steelworks. The steel industry in Wales, not only in Port Talbot, is a vital part of the Welsh economy and we must protect it.