The Automotive Sector

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister (in respect of his Brexit Minister responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 3:02 pm on 22 January 2020.

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Photo of Helen Mary Jones Helen Mary Jones Plaid Cymru 3:02, 22 January 2020

I'm grateful to the Minister for his answer. Of course, he'll be aware that it's almost a year to the day since the Schaeffler automotive factory in Llanelli announced that it would be closing with the loss of 220 jobs—and not just jobs, but good-quality jobs, jobs that could sustain families productively. The Minister will not need me to tell him there are real concerns in the sector about the access to markets. What further discussions will he be able to have with the UK Government to try and ensure that we do have a voice—the Welsh Government on behalf of the industry—around the table when negotiations are being made, with regard to both the new trade deal that we'll hopefully have with the European Union and any other free trade deals, to ensure that there are no unintended consequences? For example, allowing access to markets for vehicles and vehicle parts from outside Wales that might have a negative effect on the supply chain that companies have put a lot of effort into building up over many years.