I spoke in yesterday’s commons statement on job losses at Ford in Bridgend to call on the UK Government to be proactive in supporting the car industry and its supply chains in the steel sector.

I said: “The announcement from Ford is indeed a bitter blow for those workers in Bridgend and will be felt across South Wales. All our efforts should be put into supporting those who are affected.  With the car industry in crisis the Steelworkers I met on Friday at Cogent Orb, owned by Tata, want the government to be proactive in helping to develop and support the supply chain for electric vehicles. Companies like Orb have the workforce and the expertise – but what will the Government do support companies like this through the industrial strategy for the future of this industry?”

The automotive industry is facing a crisis, and the knock-on effect for other sectors – including the steel industry which is so important to the economy in Newport East – cannot be underestimated.  The Welsh Government have been proactive in response to the developments in Bridgend, and have a great track record of using all the tools at their disposal.  It’s important that UK Government steps up its efforts and becomes more proactive in supporting the car and steel industries. I’d like to see the Welsh Secretary and his colleagues at the Cabinet table working closely manufacturers and trade unions to urgently implement a robust strong industrial strategy that serves the steel and automotive sectors.