6. Statement by the Minister for Economy: The Future of the Steel Industry

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:41 pm on 6 July 2021.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 5:41, 6 July 2021

Minister, among the areas of Wales with strong steel traditions, of course, is Newport, and my constituency of Newport East, with the Llanwern site, for example, and, more recently, Liberty Steel. Liberty Steel, of course, is in considerable difficulty at the moment, and I'd just like your assurance, Minister, that you are involved in that situation at Liberty, in terms of keeping a watching brief on developments, and of course working with UK Government and the trade unions as well as Liberty and potential buyers. And one key point I think, Minister, is that Liberty acts as a responsible seller and that there is a transparent process that fully engages our trade unions, and that plans of any potential buyer are scrutinised, including their commitment to the workforce and, indeed, the industry. These are crucial matters to my constituency of Newport East, and I'd like your reassurance on these matters.