One of the factors contributing to the perfect storm around the steel industry was the crippling energy costs. The Energy Intensive Industries Compensation scheme was introduced to help meet those costs. The scheme will come to an end in April 2017 and the Government committed in the 2016 Budget to introduce a set of exemptions from the Renewables Obligation and Feed-in-Tariff. We are still waiting for this. I have written to Rt. Hon. Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy calling for urgent action. You can read my letter: Continue reading

Today I questioned the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the replacement for the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme: Continue reading

Today the Secretary of State for Wales appeared in front of the Welsh Affairs Committee and I was able to question him on the replacement of the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Package; steel procurement; and lessons for social services in England to learn from social services in Wales.  Continue reading

They say a week is a long time in politics; well, try 9 months. Back in March I flew out to Mumbai with Roy Rickhuss and other leaders of Community, the main steelworkers' union, to present the workforce’s turnaround plan to Tata Steel’s Board. The response we received was negative, and the next day Tata announced their plans to sell Strip Products UK, the heart of which is the Port Talbot works, in my constituency, unleashing months of uncertainty that has had a terrible impact on thousands of steelworkers and their families. Continue reading

Commenting on the news that steel unions have achieved a commitment from Tata Steel to secure the future of jobs and investment at Port Talbot and across Strip Products UK, Stephen Kinnock, Member of Parliament for Aberavon said:  Continue reading

Commenting on recent reports about the future of the Port Talbot steelworks and future investment, Stephen Kinnock, Member of Parliament for Aberavon said: “Tata Steel should end the uncertainty over the future of Strip Products UK and the Port Talbot steelworks. Continue reading

Commenting on reports that Tata steel are rushing to close the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) to avoid a £60m payment that is due into the scheme, Stephen Kinnock, Member of Parliament for Aberavon said: “It is an absolute disgrace if these reports [that Tata are rushing to close the BSPS to avoid a £60m payment that is due] are true. Tata have not only legal, but also moral and social responsibilities to the members of the BSPS and the workforce across the UK.   Continue reading

Today I asked Jesse Norman a question on the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and urged his government to approve the scheme, a vital project to ensure the future of our steel industry. Continue reading

Today I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the Future of the Steel Industry, my speech is included below, or you can watch it on the video at the bottom of the page. To view the full debate, click here  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship  Mr Davies. I want to thank my friends, the Hon Members for Redcar and for Middleborough South and East Cleveland, for securing today’s debate and for their contributions. Continue reading