Well, I didn’t end up going to the awards evening last night as I was reacting to the unfortunate news that the Borg Warner factory in Margam is set to close before 2010. I was tabling an urgent plenary question, and contacting Ieuan Wyn Jones’s office to see what contact he has had with the company.
From what I understand, the company has not yet got in touch with the Minister’s office, but Ieuan will now be holding a meeting with them, and with trade unions to talk about the closure. I hope to do the same thing, and to look at how I can help. The government at Westminster has the financial levers for the manufacturing industry, of course, so it is vital that the Welsh Assembly Government voices its concerns, and presses for a comprehensive package of fiscal measures for the manufacturing industry in Wales. If money can be found for the banks, then effort to save industry, and to halt mass unemployment is essential.
Today Paul Murphy will be making a speech at the National Assembly for Wales. I’m sure there will be a few questions from AMs about the progress of the housing LCO. Perhaps I will probe him on his attitude towards a referendum. hmmm
I forgot to say congratulations to Kirsty Williams AM for becoming leader of the Lib dems in Wales when I blogged yesterday. Taking party politics aside, its great to see a woman as a leader of a political party in Wales, and I wish her all the best in her new role.
Tomorrow I am speaking at this event in Merthyr organised by the Bevan Foundation, titled ‘Devolution- Power to the People?’ I think this is the first time for me to take part in an event in my home town, so I’m looking forward to it immensely. The Children’s Commissioner and the Commissioner for Older People will also be taking part. I’ll blog to let you know how it went.
