Tata Steel

Part of 4. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:30 pm on 8 January 2020.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 3:30, 8 January 2020

Diolch, Llywydd. Minister, of course, in Newport, we have the Llanwern site, which is integrated with Port Talbot. As Dai Rees and Jack Sargeant have already said, these Tata operations are very much seen as a whole. So, we have a great deal of concern in terms of the jobs at Llanwern, and also, of course, at the moment, at the Orb works. The plant is mothballed, with potential buyers still in talks with Tata as to the possible future use of that plant.

You talked about the UK Government signalling a more interventionist approach now. There is such a strong case, I think, for an electric vehicle industry in the UK, with the Orb steelworks supplying the electric steel for such an operation, where we could gain real advantages in terms of what is sure to be a big, big growth industry for the future. An interventionist approach by the UK Government would understand that; would make sure that the necessary support is given to the potential buyers and Tata Steel, working with Welsh Government and the trade unions, so that that viable, promising future would be realised. So, will you, as well as stating the case more generally, as Members have called for already today, Minister, make sure that the Orb works, and the situation there, as well as Llanwern, are at the forefront of your discussions with Tata, with the UK Government, with the trade unions, and all other players in these matters?