WELSH CONSERVATIVES DEMAND ANSWERS OVER TATA STEEL FURNACE DELAYS
The Welsh Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government to urgently set out who knew what, and when, about reports of delays to Tata Steel's new electric arc furnace at Port Talbot.
Shadow Minister for Economy, Energy and Planning Janet Finch-Saunders MS raised the issue in the Senedd today during an emergency statement following the recent fire at the steelworks.
While much attention has focused on the fire, reports suggest that separate concerns about delays to the electric arc furnace may have been known for weeks.
On 7th June, it was reported that Tata Steel had discussed potential delays linked to National Grid connectivity issues with “investors” during a conference call around a month earlier.
Janet Finch-Saunders is seeking clarity on whether those “investors” included the UK Government, which is investing £500 million towards the £1.25 billion project.
The previous UK Conservative Government established an £80 million transition fund to support workers at risk of losing their jobs. The Welsh Conservatives are now seeking clarification on whether any of that funding remains available if the delays create further financial problems for affected workers.
Commenting, Janet Finch Saunders MS, said:
“If UK Government Ministers were aware of the issue a month ago, were Welsh Government Ministers informed? If Welsh Government were not informed, why not? If Welsh Government were informed, why did the Economy Minister tell the Senedd today that he only became aware of the delay on Monday?
"We now need a clear timeline setting out exactly when concerns first emerged and who was told.
"Port Talbot workers and their families deserve answers."
