Plaid Cymru Offers Hope for Communities Let Down by Labour
“Our plans to unleash Wales’ economy will breathe new life into communities like Port Talbot” – Rhun ap Iorwerth
Ahead of the next leg of the Plaid Cymru Leader’s Tour to Afan Ogwr Rhondda on Thursday 5th March, Rhun ap Iorwerth has set out how the Senedd election is an opportunity for communities let down by Labour to vote for hope and new leadership for Wales in May.
During his visit, Mr ap Iorwerth will meet with ex-TATA steel workers who lost their jobs following closure of the plant’s blast furnaces in September 2024.
Plaid Cymru consistently made the case that the people of Port Talbot have been failed by Labour at both ends of the M4 for allowing Wales’ last remaining virgin steelworks to close despite clear warnings and repeated opportunities to intervene.
Whilst Labour promised a “better deal” for the steelworks during the 2024 election, they ultimately approved the plan that shut the blast furnaces and ended primary steel production in Wales - leaving over 2,000 workers and many more in the supply chain without the protections afforded to steel communities elsewhere in the UK. Now, Trump’s tariffs signal a further threat to an industry and a community already feeling the brunt of government inaction.
In stark contrast, Mr ap Iorwerth will set out how his plans to revitalise the Welsh economy will unleash the potential of people and communities in all parts of Wales.
Looking ahead to his visit to Afan Ogwr Rhondda, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Leader of Plaid Cymru said:
“There’s no better example of how Labour have let down our communities than Port Talbot. They promised to save our steel, but instead left thousands of people without jobs or long term security. And Reform? They’re so unserious they think it’s as easy as saying they’ll re-open the blast furnaces with no plans or costings to make that happen.
“People know from personal experience that Wales’ economy is lagging behind. Too many businesses have upped and left, others are struggling to make ends meet, and our young people aren’t getting the support they need to develop skills for future employment.
“Plaid Cymru is serious about changing that. Our plans will breathe new life into communities like Port Talbot and give people hope for their futures. While many businesses in Wales already punch above their weight globally, the Welsh economy is still bursting with untapped potential. Our package of plans to make Wales work will unlock our economy, create good, quality jobs, and ensure people have the skills they need to succeed. And in the face of Trump’s tariffs, we’re clearer than ever that a closer relationship with Europe is vital to strengthen our economy.
“In May, Labour’s time is up. The ex-Tories of Reform are not interested in getting to grips with the challenges facing our communities. For a government that is serious about growing our economy and upskilling our workforce, the choice is clear in May - only Plaid Cymru has the plans to unleash Wales’ economic potential.”
Sêra Evans, Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate in Afan Ogwr Rhondda added:
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Rhun to Afan Ogwr Rhondda to speak with people across the talaith and to share our positive vision for Wales.
“We know the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite hard in our communities. Alongside our plans to get the economy moving, Plaid Cymru is serious about supporting families with rising costs. That’s why we’re committed to introducing the most generous childcare offer in the UK, to help ease the financial strain on families, get parents back into work and provide the workforce of the future with the best start in life. I look forward to meeting with childcare providers tomorrow to discuss our plans further.
In May, we can elect a strong team of Plaid Cymru representatives to the Senedd, where we will be committed to standing up for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, and offering new leadership for Wales.”