Following this week’s announcement that Tata Steel in Shotton is one of the 18 shortlisted Heathrow logistic hub sites, inviting them to formally enter the tender process for the Heathrow expansion, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has asked the Welsh Government what they will be doing to support them with their bid.
Mr Isherwood raised the matter in the Welsh Parliament during yesterday’s Questions to the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, who was answering questions on behalf of the Minister for Economy and Transport.
He said:
“Tata Steel in Shotton is a dynamic business and major exporter, but dependent upon the supply chain for sustainable British steel, and on feedstock from the heavy end in South Wales. On Monday, I received an e-mail, as did other Members representing the area, from Heathrow Airport, announcing that they're one of the 18 shortlisted Heathrow logistic hub sites, inviting them to formally enter the tender process for the Heathrow expansion.
“In response, your colleague the Minister for the Economy and Transport said he looked forward to continuing the Welsh Government's ‘work with the site promoters and the Heathrow team in this selection process’. What will the Welsh Government therefore be doing in that context to support Tata, as well as the Port in Cardiff - the other shortlisted Welsh bidder - to maximise the opportunities presented by this?”
Responding, the Deputy Minister, Lee Waters AM, said: “It's excellent news that they've got through to the next round, and we've supported them all along the way, so we'll continue to offer that support to them. This is an investment that we welcome. If there is going to be this large infrastructure scheme in London, it's only fair that the benefits spread across the UK”.
ENDS
