MP Warns Government on Steel Redundancies
23rd November 2012
Aberavon MP, Dr Hywel Francis, has warned the UK Government that it needs to do more to protect the Welsh steel industry.
Dr Francis, who’s Constituency of Aberavon contains the steel plant at Port Talbot, said,
“The announcement of 500 redundancies at Tata steel Port Talbot is grim news for all those local families directly affected, particularly so near to Christmas.”
“Tata management and unions have worked hard over the years to secure major investment at Port Talbot and Tata’s announcement today that the Number 4 Blast Furnace is to be re-lit early in 2013 is to be welcomed and is an indication of Tata’s long term commitment to the plant.”
“But the Government must do more to help energy intensive industries like steel with their costs – other European countries assist their industries far more. The Government should also address the high business rates, rail charges faced by the steel industry, and place greater emphasis on infrastructure programmes as they do in France and Germany.”
“I shall be working closely with management and unions locally and nationally and with all levels of Government to secure the long term future of steelmaking in Port Talbot.”
