The Economy of South Wales West

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales – in the Senedd at 1:35 pm on 27 January 2021.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 1:35, 27 January 2021

Can I thank Dai Rees for his question and say that a call with the new Secretary of State is now scheduled? It's in our diary. I have previously had very constructive relationships with other Ministers in BEIS, including, I'd particularly mention, Nadhim Zahawi, who is very collaborative in his approach, and we spoke on numerous occasions about the need to support the steel industry. Of course, that support has not yet been forthcoming from the UK Government. It's absolutely crucial that a deal is provided to the sector as a whole, but that specific support is agreed with Tata, recognising the strategic purpose of Tata as the UK's primary steel maker, and that is absolutely vital in terms of our national security and our economic well-being. So, these are the points that I'll be pressing upon the new Secretary of State when I speak with him.