2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:56 pm on 14 May 2019.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 2:56, 14 May 2019

Thank you, David Rees, for raising both of those extremely important issues this afternoon. Clearly, this is a worrying time for those who work in the steel industry across Wales, and, as we stood by our steel industry throughout the crisis of 2016, we will again work collaboratively with the industry and with its supply chains, and also with the recognised trade unions, to support the steelworkers and the communities around them through this important next period.

The Minister for economy, Ken Skates, spoke with the executive director of Tata Steel Europe and also with steel unions on Friday following the announcement, and he'll continue to work closely with Tata to discuss how we can best support the industry in light of the recent announcement. I know it was his intention to issue a written statement today, but I'll certainly make him aware of your request to discuss the issue in person with him.

I'm very taken by your suggestion of a debate on the shared prosperity fund. I think it would be an excellent opportunity for this Assembly to send a clear message to the UK Government that any Brexit shouldn't mean a penny lost or a power removed from Wales, and we've certainly come to some strong conclusions about how the shared prosperity fund should operate in future. I think that sending a strong united message on that would be particularly useful.