Press Release: PLAID CYMRU LLANELLI: SPEAKING UP FOR OUR STEEL INDUSTRY…

At the Plaid Cymru Conference being held in Llangollen, a motion was passed unanimously on the future of our steel industry.

The conference recognised that Steel is a foundation industry, and vital to the economy of Wales, employing or supporting over 20,000 jobs across the country.

The motion at the conference called for a future Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government to continue to support Welsh steel makers in working towards becoming world leaders in the industry in the 21st century. This would include supporting the modernisation and the development of new innovations while creating new employment and apprenticeships in Wales.

There was also an additional call to support funding for the creation of a dedicated steel research and development centre in the new Innovation Campus at Swansea University.

Speaking on the conference stage

Sean Rees, Plaid Cymru Campaign Manager in Llanelli said…

“Our steelworkers are asking for a level playing field and Governments at both ends of the M4 now need to turn their words into actions.

“As we look to the future, we must learn from the lessons of the past. Communities like mine in Llanelli remember those times all too well. To this day we are still healing from the scars as a result of decisions taken back then.

“Llanelli is a proud town, we have a proud tradition of steel production. Steel is at the very heart of our communities which are now under severe pressure. Many members of my family have worked in the steel industry and they understand like we all do of the challenges that we face today.

“As is often the case behind every steelworker there is a family and the current uncertainty will also hit them just as hard.

“The Tata plant at Trostre employs around 700 workers and is a main supplier of tinplate in the UK. Our Town is often referred to as ‘Tinopolis’, even your tins of Heinz Baked Beans are made at Trostre!

“Recent figures show Tata Steel contributes £3.2 billion annually to the Welsh economy. It’s an industry we cannot afford to lose! If Governments can afford to bail out the banks, then they can do everything in their power to save our steel.

“Every step must now be taken to protect our industry, our economy and our workers. It is for those reasons that I urge you to support this progressive motion. Together, we can secure the strong, sustainable future that our country deserves.”