A NEW data facility at the Newport headquarters of the Office of National Statistics (ONS) will create a ‘Silicon Valley for Wales’, a Gwent AM has said.

Newport West’s Jayne Bryant has said the opening of the new data science campus next month will be the latest step in the development of a hub of technological expertise within the city.

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions yesterday, the Labour AM said: “The aspiration to create a Silicon Valley for Wales is the intention, and that it will be a hub for innovative data science research, helping to create jobs and attract investment.

“Will the Welsh Government work with its partners and the ONS to promote this endeavour to create a ‘Duffryn silicon’ for Wales?”

First minister Carwyn Jones backed her call.

“Newport is acquiring for itself, very rapidly, a good reputation for software and for ICT more generally,” he said.

“That’s something, of course, we’re very keen to encourage in the future.”