3. Statement by the Minister for Economy: Moving the Welsh Economy Forward

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:27 pm on 19 October 2021.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 3:27, 19 October 2021

Well, I think it's the definition of what we call a 'green new deal'. When you hear Julie James talk about the second low-carbon delivery plan, we hear lots about leading to a green new economy to make sure that we improve our impact—our environmental impact—on our activity today, and make sure we can take advantage of those industries that are here already. We've recently had presentations, which lots of Members attended, about the roll-out of energy offshore, but there are big opportunities, not just in the creation of those, but in the supply chain that goes with them, and there should be jobs right across the sector.

The hydrogen infrastructure that should be developed right across north-west England and through north Wales, and the opportunities for further industries too. And in your own constituency, and you'll know this, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru and Airbus and their desire to see fuels of the future, to decarbonise the way that the air industry works. We have huge opportunities and risks if we're not prepared to take that step forward.

And, of course, our traditional industries will still be important too, including Shotton steel, of course, where I had the opportunity to visit with the Member, and the opportunity to make sure those high-value industries are able to decarbonise, but in a way where the transition is a just one and jobs are not sacrificed.