Tata Steel

Part of 5. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 4:06 pm on 11 March 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 4:06, 11 March 2020

I can assure the Member that Newport steel has been right there, right at the forefront of my mind, whenever I've spoken with Tata, whenever I've discussed these issues with counterparts in the UK Government. That will go on. I'm determined to ensure that as many jobs as possible within the steel sector in the Newport area are retained, and that we can actually build on the strength of the sector in Newport.

There was positive news recently in terms of the Welsh steel sector, and that came with the announcement of around 100 new jobs in the sector. I thought that that was particularly important at this moment in time, given the uncertainty that's being caused by a number of factors, including energy prices, ongoing uncertainty concerning Brexit, and, of course, coronavirus. That gave a very welcome shot in the arm of the sector in south Wales in particular, where the announcement was made, but for the whole of steel making across the UK.