NEWPORT East AM John Griffiths has called on the Welsh Government to show “determination” to retain steelworking jobs in the area.

Speaking in the Senedd earlier this week, Mr Griffiths asked economy and transport minister Ken Skates for reassurances that the Newport steel industry was “very much in your mind” in his discussions with the UK Government and Tata.

Newport’s Orb Electrical Steels plant, which was mothballed in January, has been put up for sale as a "former steelworks" - though its owners have insisted that its "possible acquisition by other steel companies" remains an option.

Around 380 staff were employed there before its closure, with concerns also for Llanwern steelworkers.

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Mr Skates gave assurances, saying he was “determined to ensure as many jobs as possible within the steel industry are retained”, adding that the strength of the sector in Newport could be built on.

“I can assure that Newport steel has been right there, right at the forefront of my mind, whenever I've spoken with Tata, whenever I've discussed these issues with counterparts in the UK Government, and that will go on,” Mr Skates said.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Griffiths said: “I’m pleased by the minister’s continued personal commitment to the steelworks in Newport.

“The city has a proud steelworks history and we still have the Llanwern site in Newport East, which employs several hundred jobs and is crucial to the wider supply chain.

“The situation at the Orb site is still idle at the moment, but we very much hope that will come back into production.

“It still has a very important part to play in the steel industry in Newport and Wales. I will continue to make this point to our government and other stakeholders in the weeks ahead."