5. Statement by the Minister for Economy and Transport: Tata Steel

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:32 pm on 19 November 2019.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 4:32, 19 November 2019

Can I thank Jack Sargeant for his contribution and for his questions? I was only reflecting earlier this afternoon on the experience of having grown up, obviously, in north-east Wales and seeing Shotton steelworks almost fully close. We did manage to fight, albeit for a smaller number of jobs than once existed. But, as a consequence of further investment by owners of the site and by supporting it from here in Cardiff Bay, the Welsh Government was able to assist in the resurrection of the Shotton steelworks site. Of course, there is now uncertainty, but that particular facility is operating incredibly efficiently and returning a good profit for Tata.

I think Jack Sargeant is absolutely right in identifying, amongst many, an opportunity for the Shotton site—that being the Heathrow logistics hub. I know that Tata is working very keenly to try to secure one of the logistics hubs for Heathrow Airport.

But, this is, as Jack Sargeant said, a UK problem that requires a UK solution. There are some factors that are beyond the UK Government's control as well, and one of them we've identified: the China-US trade war. There is no doubt that that will only be resolved once Donald Trump decides that a trade deal has to be agreed. It will not be secured just on the basis of one of the two sides wishing to resolve differences. 

I think it's absolutely right and proper that Tata informs employees as soon as possible of the outcome of the assessment that's going to be undertaken between now and early in the new year. I will press upon them the need to share any details about specific job losses with employees as soon as possible.