Extract from Wales questions: Covid-19 Outbreak - July 8

Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Sadly, there are not just sectoral problems for aerospace. With Bridgend now reeling from the Ineos threat to take jobs elsewhere, it is clear that Wales and the UK face fierce international competition. Can the Secretary of State explain what he and his Government are doing to develop a UK-wide industrial strategy and a trade policy that will help to retain, create and attract the new green jobs of the future?

The Secretary of State for Wales (Simon Hart): I have initial discussions with Ineos tomorrow. This is a deal between the Welsh Government and Ineos so in a sense, that question should be addressed to the relevant Minister in the Welsh Government. That said, the inability or unwillingness of Welsh Government to make any moves at all on improving the M4 relief road have played a part, it is rumoured, in the decision that Ineos has taken. In the wider context, I hope the hon. Lady can remain in her seat or one near it for Prime Minister’s questions and the statement from the Chancellor afterwards, as I believe that some of the questions she raised may be answered at that stage.