Farage promises ‘reindustrialisation’ of Wales reopening coal mines and restoring steel production

At the conference in Port Talbot, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage promised to “reindustrialise” Wales by restarting coal production and “reopening” Port Talbot’s steelworks.

Port Talbot’s Steelworks have not actually closed, but its two blast furnaces were closed last year as part of Tata Steel’s plans to install a £1.25billion electric arc furnace as part of a push towards greener steel production and cost savings.

The plans resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs at the plant.

Labour has proposed banning new coal mines from opening in the UK, however Mr Farage has said he would defy the UK Government to bring coal mining back to Wales.

If Reform win the Senedd election, Mr Farage also pledged to start a ‘Welsh DOGE’ to cut costs emulating the work of Elon Musk’s controversial White House task force in the USA.

He added the party would “use Welsh Development Grants to support real industry. We’ll redirect economic funding from consultants and NGOs to actual factory floors, machinery, and industrial jobs in places like Llanelli, Shotton, and Ebbw Vale”.

Mr Farage also proposed setting up “regional technical colleges” for people to have a “path into proper trade”.

The Labour Party have hit back at Mr Farage’s claims.

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “Nigel Farage has no plans for steel – just a camera crew. You can’t restart a blast furnace with a press conference.

“Nigel Farage says that hopefully they mightthey’ll bring back mining. The people of Wales will see through the false hope and false promises of a public-school boy from England who does not understand them and does not understand Wales.

“His answer is to bring back the mines. The only thing Nigel Farage is trying to mine is votes from communities that have already gone through tough times.

“Nigel Farage has today brought his fantasy politics and magic money tree to Port Talbot. He’s gambling with real people’s livelihoods.”

Meanwhile environmental campaign group Greenpeace have said Reform’s plan to bring back coal has “as much chance of success as resurrecting dinosaurs”

Greenpeace climate campaigner Mel Evans said: “Farage is peddling false promises as usual. Bringing back the British coal industry has about as much chance of success as resurrecting dinosaurs. It’s frankly an insult to the thousands of Welsh steelworkers who are losing their jobs and the local community. 

“Doing steelworkers and their children justice means investing in the industries and jobs of tomorrow, like green steel production and renewables. This is not just good for the climate – it’s good financial sense. Reform’s impractical and sentimental ideas would set back Wales and the UK in the global race to build a green tech economy.”

Commenting ahead of Nigel Farage’s visit to Wales, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “Nigel Farage has some real cheek to come to Port Talbot and promise them the world while his best mate Donald Trump is threatening to destroy the remnants of our steel industry, with yet more tariffs at the end of this month.

“Like his idols, Donald Trump and Liz Truss, Nigel Farage would wreck the Welsh economy and local services with unfunded tax cuts and the hollowing out of public services.

“I understand that a lot of people are frustrated that they have been let down by Labour in Wales and the Conservatives across the entire UK, but it’s the Liberal Democrats who are offering real change, not Reform. We are passionate local campaigners focused on getting you swift access to local healthcare and ensuring that schools are safe places for our kids.

“Last year’s general election shows that we are winning again. And in a recent by-election in Neath Port Talbot, we easily beat Reform and pushed Labour into 4th place in the sort of industrial heartlands both claim ownership of.”

#Coal #coalMine #mining #NigelFarage #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #ReformUK #steelworks #TataSteel

Government criticised for treatment of Port Talbot steelworkers

The Liberal Democrats say they have highlighted several problems with the transition deal struck with Tata Steel.

At a parliamentary debate earlier today (30 April) the Lib Dems claimed that since the news that British Steel in Scunthorpe was to be nationalised, Labour have consistently defended its position not to do the same in Port Talbot by arguing they were able to secure an improved redundancy and training package for the almost 3,000 people being made redundant.

David Chadwick, the Lib Dem MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe put to the Wales Office minister, Jo Stevens that since the announcement of the deal last summer with Tata numerous problems have been reported by those facing redundancy.

These include employees with 40+ years of service, who are currently on job share contracts, have had their redundancy figures based on their part-time contract. Those who have asked to return to full-time roles have been refused.

Mr Chadwick went on to claim that employees were not being provided clear finishing dates, meaning they can’t secure new employment, or if they want to start new employment imminently, they need to forfeit the voluntary redundancy package.

He said that many staff left the site without receiving payouts, saving the company millions of pounds in order to start in new jobs instead of being left in limbo waiting for a finish date.

In February 2025, whistleblowers reported to Nation.Cymru, that just three ex-employees had accessed the Employment and Skills Flexible Fund retraining scheme. One major problem cited was that if an employee stays in the retraining scheme longer than a month, they will not receive the full enhanced redundancy payment.

The enhanced redundancy package comprises 2.8 weeks’ pay for every year of service up to 25 years’ service. It also includes a minimum payment of £15,000 plus a possible £5,000 ex gratia payment dependant on attendance. The standard redundancy package comprises 2.1 weeks’ pay for every year of service.

Mr Chadwick said that when questioned, Tata did not deny only three people had accessed the retraining scheme.

The Lib Dems said that Jo Stevens was not able to answer the specific questions asked by David Chadwick.

The UK government has previously said it could claw back its investment should Tata renege on the deal.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick said: “Since this Labour Government announced it was acting to save jobs in Scunthorpe, but not Port Talbot, Labour has repeatedly claimed this is because they secured a good deal for workers losing their jobs at Tata, yet conversations I’ve had with workers since directly contradict this claim.

“With those workers having served over 25 years, not having that service recognised and only a handful of people accessing retraining courses due to the threat of receiving a worse redundancy package, this does not sound like a good deal.  

“The way workers and the wider community in Port Talbot have been treated by this new Labour Government and the previous Conservative Government has been disgraceful.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to highlight their failures and fight for immediate investments to replace the jobs that have been lost as a result of this mismanagement.”

The UK Government has told Swansea Bay News in response that it “acted decisively” to ensure “steelmaking would continue in Port Talbot” and have “done so again to protect the industry in Scunthorpe”.

However it added that “the circumstances between the two cases are very different”.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “The agreement with Tata Steel to build an electric arc furnace and Tata’s decision to shut down the blast furnaces and coke ovens in Port Talbot were all made in 2024 under the previous government.

“In just a few weeks we negotiated an improved deal with Tata which preserved 5,000 jobs, ensured there would be no immediate compulsory redundancies, confirmed a £500m grant for future steelmaking in Port Talbot and secured investment opportunities for the local area.

“We also offered support for every single worker and supply chain business via our £80m Port Talbot Transition Board. More than £50m has already been announced, much of it on retraining and reskilling of workers, and the rest will follow in the coming months.

“In contrast, Jingye, British Steel’s owner in Scunthorpe, rejected our offer of financial support meaning we had to legislate to ensure the continued safe operation of the blast furnaces.

“Our ongoing support for British steelmaking ensures that steel communities like Port Talbot and Scunthorpe have a bright future.”

#industry #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #steelworks #TataSteel #WelshLabour #WelshLiberalDemocrats

Steel investment programme for jobs hits £3 million

The Programme was launched last summer in response to changes as Tata Steel moves to greener steel-making at its Port Talbot plant with a £1.25 billion investment in the new Electric Arc Furnace. 

Many of the 84 companies supported are in the Port Talbot and Swansea area, while the others are across South Wales.  

“Our strategy is to stimulate the jobs market by identifying businesses with growth potential that can create the jobs of the future,” said UKSE Area Manager Rob Barber. “We took a flexible approach aimed at making a swift response in order to make a significant impact on the local economy.

“We committed considerable resources to the Programme, both in terms of personnel and finance, and I am delighted to say we have exceeded our expectations and the response from both employers, and new start-up businesses, has been excellent.”

Just under 50 start-ups have received grants and loans, many of them launched by former workers at the plant such as Coffi Portablo, the colourful and inviting coffee venue in Aberavon Shopping Centre run by Vichuda and Cassius Walker-Hunt.  The loan enabled Cassius to buy a commercial refrigerator, coffee blenders and other equipment. “It has been very useful indeed and has helped get the business off the ground,” he said.

A further 30 companies have benefitted from loans to enable them to bring their business plans forward with speed.

Port Talbot based JES, an important contractor to the steelworks over many years, has launched an academy to train former steelworkers and others in welding and fabrication skills backed with a £200,000 loan from UKSE.

Businesses supported cover a diverse range of sectors – environmental, well-being and mental health support, innovation in industrial equipment, heavy industry, personal care, sportswear, landscaping and many others. 

To deliver the programme UKSE in Wales increased the size of its Investment team, bringing in Regional Executives Michelle Noble and Alan Jenkins to work alongside Howard Thompson, under the leadership of experienced former commercial banker Rob Barber. 

“Working closely with other agencies I am confident that UKSE has made a significant and useful contribution to helping the local economy move ahead and mitigate the changes that have occurred. There is of course more to be done and the UKSE Support Programme is set to continue and support job creation in Port Talbot and South Wales,” said Mr Barber.

#Business #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #steelworks #TataSteel #UKSE

UK Government funds mental health support to help Port Talbot steelworkers back into work

Chairing the latest meeting of the Tata Steel Port Talbot Transition Board today (27 March) Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens announced £3.27 million to fund mental health support services in Neath Port Talbot for those affected by Tata Steel’s transition to greener steelmaking.

The funding, which is flexible and may be increased depending on demand, is planned to cover services including hiring more counsellors to work directly with affected steelworkers, and providing extra resources and grants to support existing mental health provision.

It also covers expanding availability of community and peer support such as through Men’s Sheds, She Sheds and other community groups and funding mental health support in schools where children are affected by the Tata Steel transition.

The funding will also allow for the provision of specialist advice for steelworkers and their families navigating the welfare system or struggling with debt, along with training council and trade union support workers in suicide awareness and prevention.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:  “The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and for the wider community but we said we would back them in whatever ways were needed. We are helping people learn new skills but we also need to help protect people’s mental health, because well-being is crucial to getting back into work and staying in work. 

“By boosting direct support services, we are investing in the people of the area and supporting growth in the local economy.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans MS said: “Working alongside our Transition Board partners, we will continue to make sure that the right assistance and support is in place for those impacted by the Tata changes as well as providing opportunities for growth, investment and employment wherever they arise.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt said: “Neath Port Talbot Council welcomes the announcement of this funding and the commitment to support the wellbeing of our local communities through this difficult time. We know the impact of change at the steelworks is being felt deeply across the area, and particularly within Port Talbot itself, where every household will know many others directly or indirectly affected.

“This is a vital addition to the support the council is delivering alongside our Transition Board partners, as we adapt to the future of steelmaking in the town and prepare for the new opportunities offered by future investment and developments such as the Celtic Freeport.”

Martyn Wagstaff, Mental Health Advisor said: “It’s really important that anyone who is struggling with their mental health asks for help. There is support available and talking to someone is the best way to get better.

“This funding from the Transition Board means that people in Neath Port Talbot will be able to access more help when needed.”

#mentalHealth #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #steelworks #TataSteel #UKGovernment

Over ‘300 skilled jobs’ secured for Port Talbot Steel works green transition plan

Tata Steel say the new jobs in the local supply chain will be part of new contracts signed with Bridgend-based companies Darlow Lloyd & Sons, Wernick Buildings, and Swansea-based business, Andrew Scott Ltd. 

Darlow Lloyd & Sons will play a key role in the initial phases of the project, overseeing excavation, recycling, infrastructure, and drainage works essential to the site’s transition to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking.

Director, Rhys Lloyd, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership which will boost employment across Neath Port Talbot and lay the foundation for future growth across the manufacturing sector.

“Our involvement in this transformation is not only a privilege, but fundamental to maintaining our strong presence and heritage at the site.

“This collaboration safeguards our experienced workforce and allows us to appoint local experts with transferable skillsets to this once-in-a-lifetime project.”

Critical infrastructure, including the construction of a new scrap yard to manage the inflow of UK-sourced used steel as a feedstock for the new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), will be completed by Andrew Scott Ltd. 

David Evan Williams, Civil Contracts Director said: “Having worked major on civil and construction projects at Port Talbot since the late 1800s, our involvement in this transformation is not only a privilege, but fundamental to maintaining our strong presence and heritage at the site. 

“We have committed to supporting local talent, ensuring that we fill positions with our skilled workforce, alongside experienced former Tata Steel workers and experts in the supply chain. As work progresses, we aim to provide further opportunities for individuals in surrounding communities to help deliver this exciting vision.”

Ben Wernick, Managing Director, Wernick Buildings added: “We are thrilled to bring our wealth of experience in the modular construction sector to deliver the centrepiece of Port Talbot’s contractor village; an 8500 square metre space spanning three buildings, comprised of offices and welfare zones.

“90% of the workers we employ to build this impressive space will be from communities surrounding the steelworks – spanning Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Cardiff – allowing us to nurture and grow regional talent.”

UK Industry Minister, Sarah Jones commented: “Today’s news is a major boost for communities in South Wales, delivering high-skilled opportunities for local people, and will help Welsh steelmaking to drive growth and attract further investment as part of our Plan for Change.”  

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “We have supported Tata Steel with £500m to safeguard Welsh steelmaking and I’m pleased that the company is itself investing in the local supply chain, securing hundreds of jobs and driving economic growth.

“It is fantastic news for the South Wales economy that local firms have secured these major contracts to deliver the transformation of steelmaking at Port Talbot.”

Lloyd Bryant, Head of Infrastructure & Amenities, Tata Steel, concluded: “The expertise of these long-standing contractors is key to the success of our transformation. 

“We look forward to collaborating with them, under Sir Robert McAlpine’s supervision, to safeguard the future of sustainable steelmaking in the area, securing jobs and ensuring the long-term viability of steelmaking in Wales for generations.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AxsEV-Y1Ys

#AndrewScottLtd #construction #DarlowLloydSons #industry #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #steelworks #TataSteel #WernickBuildings

The enormous artwork, which is half the length of a football pitch, portrays the character, Nessa asking the Prime Minister, “Oh Keir, what’s occurring?” to send Starmer a message about the future of UK steel.

The artwork, created by the arts organisation ‘Sand In Your Eye’, took several hours to draw out in the sand overnight, working in total darkness. Four Welsh Greenpeace activists helped to rake the sand and put the finishing touches on the artwork, including the tattoo on Nessa’s arm that translates from Welsh as ‘hearts of steel’. 

Following recent job cuts at the nearby Port Talbot steelworks, climate activists and trade unionists are calling on the Prime Minister to create a plan for green steelmaking in the UK which would protect jobs, be better for the climate, and stimulate the economy. 

The Port Talbot steelworks, one of the UK’s main steel producers, is facing mass redundancies with the blast furnace due to close imminently. The recent deal reached with the government will provide a smaller electric arc furnace that will melt scrap steel or iron to produce steel, but the steelworks will no longer be able to produce its own primary steel.

About 2,500 workers are set to be made redundant, with a further 300 expected to be made redundant in the future. Unions and campaigners argue that this could devastate the local community, and that the recent deal – while an improvement on the previous government’s offer – doesn’t go far enough to support workers or green steel production in the UK. 

Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion Cymru Wales argue that high grade green steel production is crucial for building a green economy. Green steel – including primary steel –  is needed for building the wind turbines, railways, and electric vehicles that we need for the transition to a cleaner, greener society. 

One option for making green steel that is rapidly advancing around the world – but not yet in the UK – would be to use green hydrogen instead of coal to maintain primary steel production.

But campaigners argue that more government investment is needed than is currently on the table. They are calling on the Prime Minister to create and fund a proper green industrial strategy with a commitment to green steel production at its heart. This would protect jobs and communities reliant on the steel industry, avoiding the devastating impacts seen in former mining areas. 

Paul Morozzo, Greenpeace UK senior campaigner, said: 

“We are out here today to urge the Prime Minister to keep steelmaking at home, rather than rely on imported steel, and to put forward a well funded green industrial strategy with green steelmaking at its heart. The green transition requires reindustrialisation in this country, not deindustrialisation that has damaged communities in the past.

“Proper investment in UK green steel production would help our renewable energy supply chain whilst supporting workers and communities in places like Port Talbot and Scunthorpe. This would give us British clean steel to build wind turbines, railways and electric vehicles that we need for the transition to a healthier, more secure, and greener way of life. 

“Tackling the climate crisis presents a huge opportunity to create good sustainable jobs, unlocking new economic opportunities for communities all over the country. Climate justice and worker justice must go hand in hand so that we can all experience the huge benefits of the transition to renewable energy.”

Janina Hines of Extinction Rebellion Cymru Wales, said:

“I’ve lived in Port Talbot all my life and generations of my family have worked at the steelworks, so what’s happening here is really personal for me.

“Everyone in the community has a family member or close friend who will be affected, it could be devastating for communities in South Wales and beyond.

“We have seen from the disastrous closure of coal mines in the 1980s the lasting effect these decisions can have when they don’t have workers and communities at their heart. 

“I care deeply about the threats that climate change is bringing to Wales and the world over, which is why I’m fighting for the climate as an activist locally.

“Today I want to urge the Prime Minister to put forward a fully funded plan for UK green steel, so we can make the most of the opportunities that the move towards a green economy can bring, local economies can flourish, and jobs can be protected. 

“We are urging the Prime Minister to show global leadership on green steel now.”

Claire Peden, a Team Leader at Unite Trade Union, said:

“It’s clear, the government has been short-sighted in allowing the move away from producing Virgin Steel in Port Talbot.

“As Tata closes the blast furnace in Wales, it builds a new one in India, this is not a green transition. We urge the government to invest in the future with concrete job guarantees that will give Welsh steelmaking a bright future”.

[Lead image: Greenpeace Media]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/28/starmer-urged-to-invest-in-green-steel-as-climate-activists-reveal-gavin-and-stacey-artwork-on-port-talbot-beach/

#ExtinctionRebellionCymruWales #Greenpeace #PortTalbotSteelworks

I have also written to the mine themselves via their 'contact us' form to ask if their business is still viable.
#porttalbotsteelworks #westcumbriamining #woodhousecolliery

@miniminimawrmawr
#porttalbotsteelworks at its most beautiful

#porttalbotsteelworks