Welsh Lib Dems accuse Tories of failing Port Talbot

Today (18th January 2024) the Welsh Liberal Democrats have criticised the UK Conservative Government for failing the steel industry in Wales.

The criticism comes after it was announced that Tata Steel will be closing all their remaining blast furnaces in the UK. Resulting in a potential loss of 3,000 jobs, 2,000 of which would be in Port Talbot.

Commenting, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“I am deeply disappointed to hear that Tata Steel will be closing their remaining blast furnaces in the UK. Something which could have a devastating impact on communities across the country, particularly in Port Talbot where the local economy is reliant on the nearby steel plant.

The UK Conservative government, through their inability to support investment into UK steel, has failed towns like Port Talbot across the country.

If the UK government was willing to implement a real and sustainable industrial strategy that protected jobs whilst simultaneously supporting the transition to low carbon sectors, we wouldn’t find ourselves in this mess.

But now we are here, on the verge of witnessing the destruction of Port Talbot.

The Prime Minister and his cabinet will never know what it’s like for the thousands of workers at risk of losing their jobs, they will never know the constant worrying and anxiety that comes with the prospect of losing one’s livelihood.

They will never know, and they simply will never care.

I urgently call on Tata Steel to put a pause on this decision and consider the impact that this will have. Losing so many jobs this summer during a financial crisis will be devastating.”