Support for the Steel Industry 2024-11-06
2024-11-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The steel industry faces significant challenges, with organisations like Tata Steel requiring substantial financial support.
What steps is the government taking to support the steel industry in Wales? The steel industry is crucial for economic growth and energy transition. With additional funding of £2.5 billion being discussed alongside the existing £500 million for Tata's electric arc furnace at Port Talbot, what specific actions are being taken?
Steelmaking is key to our missions to grow the economy and deliver clean power by 2030. We are committed to providing up to £2.5 billion for steel, including the £500 million already earmarked for Tata's electric arc furnace at Port Talbot. The Government will continue delivering funding such as the £80 million transition board fund announced in the Budget.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
A steelworkers' support centre has been established to help former workers. The centre assists almost 600 individuals, highlighting the need for transition funding.
Unlike previous governments, this government is committed to enabling the £800 million transition fund to support former steelworkers. Visiting the steelworkers' support centre in Port Talbot, it has helped nearly 600 people since opening four weeks ago. Can the Secretary of State join me in thanking Community union and other organisations for setting up the centre? What is the current status of the transition fund?
The hub, a one-stop shop to help workers affected by changes at Tata, has been successful with funding from the UK Government via the transition board. The Government is determined to support workers and businesses through this partnership of Governments, unions, and local council.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Chancellor confirmed £80 million of funding for the transition board, which is chaired by the Secretary of State. This money was previously promised but not funded.
Thanking the Secretary of State for her work supporting the steel industry and communities, including Port Talbot. The Chancellor confirmed £80 million for the transition board in the Budget. Why was this funding necessary?
In her first week as Welsh Secretary, she discovered that the £80 million promised by the previous Conservative Government for the transition board was part of unfunded promises. She fought for this money to ensure workers and businesses were not unsupported.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The new deal for Tata Steel is identical to the one negotiated by a previous Conservative Government member. There is debate about whether this represents a change or continuity.
At her first Wales Questions, she needs to acknowledge that the recent deal for Tata steel re-announced by the UK government is identical to what was previously negotiated by her predecessor in the role. The £1.25 billion transformation project at Port Talbot will deliver a state-of-the-art electric furnace, with contract just signed.
Welcoming the hon. Lady to her role and joining her in tribute to Debbie John, she notes that the £1.25 billion transformation project at Port Talbot will deliver a state-of-the-art electric furnace, secured within 10 weeks without additional funding beyond the previously announced £500 million.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address why she needs to acknowledge that the deal is identical
Welcoming The Hon. Lady
Joining Her In Tribute
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There is a claim that the cash had been sitting there the whole time and no support was in place, requiring an apology.
Delighted she has read the deal they wrote but stating facts: despite protests, it's the same deal negotiated by the last Conservative Government involving the same amount of money. No additional funding beyond £500 million for electric arc furnace or transition board.
Apology is due to people of Port Talbot as previous government promised £80 million for a transition board that delivered not a single penny, now knowing the £80 million did not exist.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Closure of the last blast furnace at Port Talbot resulted in job losses. The global centre for rail excellence at Onllwyn could reverse economic contraction and bring back jobs.
The closure of the last blast furnace at Port Talbot has led to thousands of highly skilled job losses across south Wales, prompting an economic contraction. With projects like the global centre for rail excellence at Onllwyn offering potential for reversing deindustrialisation and bringing good jobs to south Wales, can she confirm further UK Government investments in that project?
Significant investments are being made as a result of this government's work: £63 billion at the international investment summit, £1 billion to Shotton Mill securing 300 jobs. She will write to him about the rail project.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on further investments in the rail project or conversations had
Significant Investments Are Being Made
Response accuracy