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United Kingdom News Beep @[email protected] · 2026-05-07 · 04:20 UTC

How to watch Britain’s ‘midterm’ election results like a pro – POLITICO

3 p.m. It should become clear if the Green Party hype is real in London: the party hopes…
#NewsBeep #News #UnitedKingdom #AngusRobertson #Britishpolitics #DanBloom #Elections #ElectionsinEurope #England #GB #GreatBritain #JamesCleverlyMP #JoStevens #JohnSwinney #KeirStarmer #kemibadenoch #MargaretThatcher #NigelFarage #Poll #PritiPatel #RichardHolden #scotland #UK #Wales
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/570352/

#wales #uk #scotland #richardholden #pritipatel #poll

UK @[email protected] · 2026-05-07 · 02:44 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/uk/942875/ How to watch Britain’s ‘midterm’ election results like a pro – POLITICO #AngusRobertson #Britain #BritishPolitics #DanBloom #Elections #ElectionsInEurope #England #GreatBritain #JamesCleverlyMP #JoStevens #JohnSwinney #KeirStarmer #KemiBadenoch #MargaretThatcher #NigelFarage #NorthernIreland #Poll #PritiPatel #RichardHolden #Scotland #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

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Bytes Europe @[email protected] · 2026-05-07 · 02:38 UTC

How to watch Britain’s ‘midterm’ election results like a pro – POLITICO https://www.byteseu.com/1997382/ #AngusRobertson #BritishPolitics #DanBloom #Elections #ElectionsInEurope #England #GreatBritain #JamesCleverlyMP #JoStevens #JohnSwinney #KeirStarmer #KemiBadenoch #MargaretThatcher #NigelFarage #poll #PritiPatel #RichardHolden #Scotland #UnitedKingdom #Wales

#wales #unitedkingdom #scotland #richardholden #pritipatel #poll

United Kingdom @[email protected] · 2026-05-07 · 02:16 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/britain/30433/ How to watch Britain’s ‘midterm’ election results like a pro – POLITICO #AngusRobertson #Britain #BritishPolitics #DanBloom #Elections #ElectionsInEurope #England #JamesCleverlyMP #JoStevens #JohnSwinney #KeirStarmer #KemiBadenoch #MargaretThatcher #NigelFarage #Poll #PritiPatel #RichardHolden #Scotland #UnitedKingdom #wales

#wales #unitedkingdom #scotland #richardholden #pritipatel #poll

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-19 · 13:39 UTC

PORT TALBOT: Steel plan sparks cautious hope — but big questions remain for Welsh jobs

At the heart of the strategy is a push to rebuild domestic steelmaking, including new tariffs on imports, a target for half of UK steel demand to be met at home, and billions in funding to support the industry’s transition.

For communities built around steel, the announcement lands at a critical moment.

In Port Talbot, the shift away from traditional blast furnaces is already under way, while in Llanelli, the Trostre works continues to play a key role in Welsh production. Together, they form part of an industry now facing one of the biggest changes in its history.

Local Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith has backed the plan, arguing it signals a more serious commitment to the sector after years of uncertainty.

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said:
“The steel industry is a vital core element of our economy here in Wales, generating growth and providing thousands of jobs, including hundreds in my own constituency.

“This is a clear, well thought-out, long-term strategy for our steel industry that will help deliver the high-quality steel our country needs for our key infrastructure, our national security and for the wider economy.”

Her support reflects the Government’s central message — that the strategy will not only protect jobs, but put the industry on a more stable footing for the future.

But that optimism is far from universal.

Opposition figures say the plan raises as many questions as it answers, particularly around how much of the promised investment will reach Wales and what role UK steel will play in major future projects.

Trostre Steel Works in Llanelli (Image: Tata Steel)

David Chadwick MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Wales, said:
“It is welcome that the Government has finally acted, but this looks like a panicked move after months of delay.

“Since the blast furnaces were switched off, Welsh steel has been left on life support.”

There are also concerns about the UK’s trading position, with warnings that being outside key European arrangements could leave exporters at a disadvantage in one of their biggest markets.

Industry voices have struck a similarly measured tone — welcoming steps to tackle cheap imports while warning that deeper issues remain unresolved.

Unite, which represents many steelworkers across Wales, says the new tariff regime is a positive step, but argues the industry needs a clearer long-term direction.

Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, said:
“Unite welcomes the strengthening of the UK’s tariff regime to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel onto the domestic market.

“But this last minute situation is just another reminder that the reactive approach to UK steel that sees it lurch from crisis to crisis needs to be overhauled.”

One of the biggest sticking points is the industry’s shift towards electric arc furnaces — a cleaner form of steelmaking that relies heavily on recycled materials.

While central to the Government’s net zero ambitions, unions have warned that relying too heavily on this approach could limit the UK’s ability to produce certain types of steel.

The hot mill at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot steelworks. (Image: Tata Steel)

Peter Hughes, Unite regional secretary, said:
“The government must also back the production of virgin green steel as we can’t simply rely on electric arc furnaces to produce all the steel we need.”

Alongside the strategy, ministers have also unveiled a new funding stream aimed at helping areas like Port Talbot adapt to the changes.

The Economic Growth & Investment Fund will offer grants of up to £1.5 million to businesses across Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and Bridgend, targeting sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green energy and digital industries.

Local leaders say it could help soften the economic impact of the transition — if it delivers.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader Cllr Steve Hunt looks out across Port Talbot Steelworks from a hillside vantage point, reflecting on the town’s industrial past and future.
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:
“This fund provides an important opportunity to support businesses that are ready to invest, grow and create new jobs across the region.”

For now, the strategy marks a significant moment for Welsh steel — but not a settled one.

With major changes already under way and more still to come, the focus is quickly shifting from what has been promised to what will actually be delivered.

And for communities across South West Wales, that will ultimately be the measure that matters most.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

One year on: resilience after blast furnace closure
Council leaders reflect on a turbulent year for the steel town.

Work begins on Port Talbot electric arc furnace
A major step in the steelworks’ transition to new technology.

Farage promises “reindustrialisation of Wales”
A headline‑grabbing pledge to revive coal and steel sparks debate.

Government criticised over treatment of steelworkers
Unions and politicians condemn support offered during the transition.

Dramatic video shows final push at Morfa coke plant
Striking footage captures the last days before shutdown.

#DavidChadwick #electricArcFurnace #industrialStrategy #JoStevens #Llanelli #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #NiaGriffith #PeterHughes #PortTalbot #SharonGraham #SouthWestWalesEconomy #steelJobsWales #TataSteel #Trostre #UKGovernment #UKSteelStrategy #UniteUnion #WelshEconomy #WelshSteel

#davidchadwick #electricarcfurnace #industrialstrategy #jostevens #llanelli #neathporttalbotcouncil

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-19 · 08:55 UTC

PORT TALBOT: Government vows to “do whatever it takes” to protect steel jobs — but critics warn over end of traditional steelmaking

A major new Steel Strategy has been unveiled during a visit to Port Talbot, with ministers promising tougher trade rules, billions in investment and a push to increase the amount of steel made in Britain.

At the centre of the plan is a target for 50% of all steel used in the UK to be made domestically — up from around 30% — with the Government saying Welsh producers are expected to play a major role.

That includes Tata Steel operations in Port Talbot, Llanelli, Shotton and Newport, as well as 7Steel in Cardiff.

The UK Government says it will also crack down on cheap imports.

From July, steel import quotas would be cut by 60%, with anything above those limits facing a 50% tariff.

Ministers argue the move will stop British steel being undercut — a long-standing complaint from workers and industry leaders in South Wales.

But the strategy has already sparked debate about what kind of steel industry the UK is actually protecting.

Massive ladles and overhead cranes inside Port Talbot steelworks, as Tata prepares the site for Electric Arc Furnace installation. (Credit: Tata Steel)

While ministers are backing domestic production, the plans also confirm a continued shift away from traditional blast furnaces towards electric arc furnaces, like the one being built in Port Talbot.

These use recycled scrap metal rather than raw materials — a move the Government says is key to cutting emissions and modernising the industry.

However, critics warn that transition could come at a cost.

They argue electric arc furnaces cannot always produce the same specialist grades of steel needed for defence and major infrastructure, raising concerns about long-term capability.

There are also fears the UK could become more reliant on imported materials — even as ministers move to restrict finished steel imports.

Peter Kyle, Business and Trade Secretary, said steelmaking was “vital” to the UK’s future.

He said: “Making steel in the UK is vital for national security, critical infrastructure and the wider economy.

“With this strategy we are closing the decades-long chapter of destructive de-industrialisation and committing instead to strengthening and sustaining Britain as a steel-making nation.”

The Government says the strategy is backed by major investment, including £5.8 billion through the National Wealth Fund for priority industries such as steel.

That builds on more than £600 million already committed to Port Talbot, alongside plans to unlock up to £2.5 billion in further funding during this Parliament.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said the plans showed ministers were standing firmly behind Welsh industry.

She said: “The UK Government is standing up for Welsh steelmaking and showing that we will do whatever it takes to boost domestic steel production and protect the thousands of steelmaking jobs in our communities.

“Welsh steel is expected to account for half of future UK steelmaking… Welsh steelmaking now has a secure and bright future.”

The strategy also includes measures to lower energy costs, prioritise UK-made steel in public projects and strengthen links with sectors like offshore wind, defence and infrastructure.

A new working group will also look at securing long-term supplies of scrap metal — a key part of the shift towards electric arc production.

The move comes after years of uncertainty for the industry, with global competition, rising costs and the transition to greener production putting pressure on steelmaking communities across South Wales.

Ministers insist imports will still play a role, but say the new rules are designed to strike a balance between protecting domestic producers and maintaining supply.

However, with the industry undergoing one of its biggest transformations in decades, questions remain over whether the strategy will truly secure the long-term future of steelmaking in Wales — or simply reshape it.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

One year on: resilience after blast furnace closure
Council leaders reflect on a turbulent year for the steel town.

Work begins on Port Talbot electric arc furnace
A major step in the steelworks’ transition to new technology.

Farage promises “reindustrialisation of Wales”
A headline‑grabbing pledge to revive coal and steel sparks debate.

Government criticised over treatment of steelworkers
Unions and politicians condemn support offered during the transition.

Dramatic video shows final push at Morfa coke plant
Striking footage captures the last days before shutdown.

#BritishIndustry #Economy #electricArcFurnace #featured #industry #JoStevens #jobs #Llanelli #manufacturing #netZero #PeterKyle #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #southWales #steel #steelIndustry #steelStrategy #steelworks #TataSteel #TataSteelworks #Trostre #TrostreSteelworks #UKGovernment #WelshSteel

#britishindustry #economy #electricarcfurnace #industry #jostevens #jobs

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-19 · 00:01 UTC

£20m boost for Swansea Civic Centre days after MP’s call for action

In an opinion piece published by Swansea Bay News on Sunday, Mr Bell said reviving the Civic Centre should be the city’s “next big regeneration step” — and urged momentum behind the proposals.

Now, that push appears to have paid off.

The funding follows months of campaigning by the MP and is being described as a key step towards turning recently unveiled plans for the Civic Centre into reality — although it will still need to go through further checks, including due diligence and approval of a final business case, before it is formally released.

Those plans — drawn up with Swansea Council and development partners Urban Splash — would see the site transformed into a mixed-use destination, featuring cafes, bars, shops, workspaces and leisure space, alongside around 140 apartments and 15 commercial units.

Headline attractions include proposals for a saltwater lido and a new aquarium, with the latter designed as a “next generation” visitor experience combining live marine exhibits with cutting-edge digital technology.

The attraction is also expected to work closely with Swansea University’s marine experts, with a strong focus on education and conservation.

Swansea Bay News has charted the rapid progress of the scheme in recent weeks, from the release of the first artist impressions to cabinet backing and strong public interest during consultation.

But until now, a central question has remained: how the transformation would actually be funded.

The £20 million investment from the UK Government begins to answer that — and is expected to help unlock the next phase of the project as it moves beyond consultation, with a planning application anticipated later this year.

An artist’s impression showing how part of the redeveloped Civic Centre site could look, with new cafés, bars, leisure spaces and a busy seafront promenade.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)

For decades, the Civic Centre has served as a base for council services, but with departments now relocating — including to the new Y Storfa hub — attention has quickly turned to the future of the prominent seafront complex.

Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West said securing “major investment” in what he describes as an “iconic Swansea landmark” has been a “personal priority”.

Mr Bell said: “With £20m funding from the UK Labour Government, this is another big step forward for the city.

“With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life. And that is exactly what we are going to give it, as we keep investing in Swansea’s future, not just remembering its past.

“Great progress has been made with the opening of Y Storfa and regeneration of the Palace Theatre. Works to improve Castle Gardens and open new offices from the Kingsway to St David’s are also underway. The momentum is real – it’s vital we harness it.”

He added that the Civic Centre funding is part of a wider package of UK Government investment in Swansea, including a further £20 million through the Pride in Place scheme, as well as commitments to rail improvements and the proposed Swansea Bay Metro.

A visual of the proposed Civic Centre plaza, featuring new public spaces, landscaping and a landmark aquarium building.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the funding represented a major vote of confidence in the city’s wider regeneration plans.

He said: “We want to see the Civic Centre transformed into a high-quality landmark destination for living, working and enjoying, with new homes, independent businesses and leisure spaces that benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.”

He added that the waterfront site offered “one of the most spectacular locations in the UK” and said the investment would help the project move forward more quickly.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said the funding would help unlock the full potential of the site.

She said: “This investment will help deliver ambitious plans for the Civic Centre and transform this part of the city, making the most of its spectacular location and strengthening Swansea as a destination for visitors.”

The redevelopment also forms part of a broader wave of regeneration across the city, linking the waterfront site with ongoing changes in the city centre and beyond.

If delivered, the scheme could provide a significant boost to the local economy, with estimates suggesting it could generate around £17 million a year and support more than 300 jobs across hospitality, retail, leisure and building management, alongside additional roles linked to the proposed aquarium.

While key details — including timelines for construction and how the scheme will be delivered — are still to be confirmed, a planning application is expected later this year as proposals continue to be developed.

The funding itself remains subject to final approvals, but the announcement marks the clearest sign yet that the recently revealed plans are now moving from ambition towards delivery.

And coming just days after the issue was put firmly back in the spotlight, it suggests momentum around Swansea’s Civic Centre is building fast.