Nia Griffith MP has called on the UK Government to act to save the Welsh steel industry and to end the uncertainty caused by Britain’s exit from the EU.
Speaking during a debate in the House of Commons, Nia said it was time for the UK Government to stop blaming the EU and to take the much needed action to ensure that Welsh steel-making has a future.
Nia said, “We need clarity on the timetable and the process for Brexit, we need to know what sort of deal the Government will seek and we need very close dialogue between the Government and the steel industry.
“The Government can no longer blame the EU. We need a Government which creates the most favourable conditions for the steel industry so that business continues to invest in the UK. This means taking urgent action on energy prices by dealing with the carbon tax, and speedy and targeted measures to protect our own production lines against Chinese imports.”
Nia also warned that a proposed merger between TATA and ThyssenKrupp must not result in some parts of the business being sold-off or closed.
She said, “We have seen ThyssenKrupp just decide to pull out of sectors before. They could decide to hoover us up and then close us down and move all their steel manufacturing to continental Europe. I implore the UK Government to work with Welsh Government to provide the best possible conditions to ensure that ThyssenKrupp keep our steel industry here in Wales.”