Commenting on the Ministry of Justice announcement that they are due to build a new prison in Port Talbot, Stephen Kinnock MP said:

“The building of a prison in Port Talbot would bring much-needed construction work to the local area and in the long term would mean more jobs for the day-to-day running of the prison.

“However, we will need to look very closely at the planning application to ensure that it is sited in a suitable location, that local people and skills are utilised, and that local materials are central to the construction of the site.

“The Ministry of Justice must provide further information, because the community must be on board. The onus is on the government to reach out and engage with us.

“But if these necessary safeguards are in place, and the community is part of the decision-making and construction process, then this is something that should be welcomed, because the project could be a welcome boost for the local community and economy.”