Last week, the UK Government announced that they were retrospectively blocking Nexperia’s takeover of what was the WaferFab semi-conductor manufacturing site in Newport.

The decision has, understandably, left the more than 500 highly-skilled employees at the site worried about their livelihoods. They’re now facing an uncertain future with just weeks to go until Christmas.  Today, Newport West MP Ruth Jones was granted an urgent question to ask the government about the assessment of the impact of this decision and what discussions have taken place between the company, the Welsh Government and Newport City Council.

Having heard from many constituents who are concerned about their jobs, their livelihoods and their pensions, I expressed to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) my dismay that none of the 3 Secretaries of State for BEIS that have been in position this year have even met with the company. I then went on to ask what the plan was to secure these jobs.

In answer, he offered nothing but platitudes – there’s no plan to protect these jobs –  that was very obvious.

This is deeply unfair on those who tonight remain uncertain about their livelihoods.

You can see the Secretary of State’s answer on the YouTube clip below.