Government statement on Ford Bridgend plant closure
10 June 2019 (updated on 10 June 2019)
Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, updated the House of Commons on the recent news of the planned closure of the Ford plant in Bridgend.
The statement follows on from the recent news that Ford plans to close its plant in Bridgend, south Wales, in autumn 2020, with the loss of up to 1,700 jobs.
The Secretary of State told MPs the Government would work with the taskforce established by the Welsh Assembly to find a "sustainable, long-term solution for the plant and its workforce". He said;
"I'm not going to understate what a bitter blow this is [...] Our focus will be on with working with Ford and the unions to understand the challenges and opportunities, and to gain the best possible outcomes "
Responding on behalf of the Opposition, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Christina Rees asked the Secretary of State to "stand up for Wales", and ask Cabinet colleagues to match the commitments made by the Welsh Government to support and stimulate the industry. She said;
"The automotive industry is the backbone of our manufacturing sector, supporting highly skilled, quality employment [...] but its future, in Bridgend and right across the UK, is in jeopardy"
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Image: PA
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