Statement by First Minister – Tata Steel

Responding to today’s announcement from Tata Steel, the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said:

“Our first thoughts today are with the families, communities and supply chain businesses dependent on steel production at Port Talbot, Llanwern and Trostre.  This is a severe blow to the community and to steel production in the UK.

“Our first priority is to work together with the workforce and management of Tata – along with the local authorities and other agencies – to support everyone affected by today’s announcement.  I have already asked the Business Minister to chair a High Level Task Force charged with supporting everyone affected by today’s announcement. There is no time to be lost and the taskforce will meet for the first time on Wednesday to draw up an Action Plan to support the workforce and the local supply chain.

“The Welsh Government has a strong relationship with Tata and we have supported the steel industry in Wales over many years.  We will now continue working tirelessly to provide support during these challenging times.

“The Welsh Government will do everything we can.  But the fundamental questions facing steel production in Wales go far beyond our devolved responsibilities.  I now call on the UK Government to step up and play its part.  Now is the time for swift and decisive action.

“For years I have joined Welsh steel makers in lobbying the UK Government about exorbitant energy prices in Britain.  This issue should have been grasped years ago but we must now see urgent implementation of energy support measures for steel producers.

“Steel making is a strategic asset for the United Kingdom and we now urgently need a national UK Strategic Plan for the industry’s future.  This needs to address energy costs, long term security of supply, state aid issues and below-cost steel dumping from outside the European Union.  The steel industry in Wales needs a level playing field, and nothing less.  TATA has invested heavily in Wales and its workforce is highly efficient – but it needs a level playing field for fair global trade.

“This is a worrying time for Tata Steel, its workers, their families and the wider communities and businesses who depend on them.  The Welsh Government is working actively with TATA to support those directly affected by the announcement and to help find solutions to ensure steel making in Wales remains part of our future.  We call on others to do the same.”