Nia Griffith MP joined Jeremey Corbyn in meeting trade union representatives at Tata Steel in Port Talbot yesterday. The Labour Leader who was visiting Wales for the Ogmore by-election fitted in the visit to Port Talbot as he is anxious to keep in touch with the work force during this very difficult period.
Commenting on the news of the expressions of interest by possible purchasers for Tata Steel this week, Nia Griffith commented,
“Finding a buyer for Tata Steel is no easy task, and all expressions of interest are to be welcomed. Coming from Llanelli, I particularly welcome the initiative taken by Stuart Wilkie with Excalibur Steel UK to prepare a package to put on the table. We know that Stuart Wilkie earned considerable respect here in Trostre for having turned things round and made the plant much more viable, and, if anyone has the drive, the determination and the expertise to take over Tata Steel UK, he has. But, like any other prospective purchaser, Excalibur will need backing.
Welsh Labour Government has already confirmed a support package of some £60 million. We now need a clear commitment from Sajid Javid, Business Secretary in the UK Government, to turn his warm words on co-investment into hard cash support. So in Parliament, we will keep the pressure up on him to commit that immediate support as a matter of urgency, but also to bring forward infrastructure projects using UK steel, develop a proper industrial strategy and deal with energy costs and Chinese dumping to provide the level playing field that our steel industry needs to thrive long term.”