The Future of the Steel Industry in Wales

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:34 pm on 17 September 2019.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 1:34, 17 September 2019

Well, Llywydd, the Welsh Government was the first signatory of the steel charter earlier this year. And, of course, we work both with the industry and, where there are opportunities, with the UK Government. The industrial energy transformation fund was discussed by my colleague Ken Skates at the opportunity that I mentioned a few moments ago. And we will pursue as well the clean steel fund that was announced on 29 August, not intended to be operational before 2024, but offering opportunities across the United Kingdom. And I think it is very important indeed that we emphasise that to the UK Government—that this is to be a fund that is to be spent in Wales, as well as elsewhere, to assist the sector in its transition to low-carbon iron and steel production through new technologies and processes. And that will be very important for us here in Wales.