Conference kicks off in Llandudno as Labour announces £11m boost for Port Talbot

THE next Senedd election will be a “moment of reckoning” for Wales, Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan is expected to tell party members this weekend, as senior figures gather for the Welsh Labour Conference in Llandudno.

Baroness Morgan will deliver a keynote speech on Saturday (June 28), urging supporters not to take victory for granted, warning of growing support for rival parties.

“The next Senedd election won’t be a routine affair,” she is expected to say. “It will be a moment of reckoning. Reform are rising. Plaid are mobilising. And across the country, people are asking big, serious questions about the kind of future they want for Wales.

“This is not a moment to look away. This is the moment to look forward – a moment of maximum opportunity and, yes, also of serious threat.”

She will call on members to get involved, pointing to the “unique opportunity” presented by Labour holding power both in Cardiff and Westminster.

Warning over NHS reforms

In a direct attack on Reform UK, the Labour leader will accuse the party of threatening the Welsh NHS.

“Reform don’t want to protect the NHS – they want to dismantle it. Rip it up and replace it with an insurance system. Privatised. Profit-driven. Out of reach for the people who need it most. Because in their world, your health depends on your wealth.”

She will contrast this with Labour’s approach, saying: “We are the party of answers – not the party of excuses. Not the party of fear.”

£11m investment fund for Port Talbot

Also speaking at the conference, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens will announce a new £11 million Economic Growth and Investment Fund for Port Talbot and the surrounding area.

The fund includes £6.78 million from the UK Labour Government and £5 million from Tata Steel UK, and is designed to support firms offering skilled, well-paid jobs matched to the needs of the local workforce.

Jo Stevens is expected to say: “Look at what we have achieved together as two Labour governments investing in Wales’ future. We have invested in our economy. We have invested in our public services. We have invested in our people. We have ended Tory austerity.”

She will describe Plaid Cymru and Reform as “two sides of the same coin – divisive nationalists determined to rip our country apart. One with no plan to pay for the NHS, another with plans to sell it off to the highest bidder.”

Backing steelworkers

On the future of the steel industry in South Wales, Ms Stevens will add:

“This new fund is a powerful example of what can be achieved when Labour governments, trade unions and business work together to deliver for communities.

“The Tories abandoned our steelworkers. Reform want to cancel the Electric Arc Furnace, throw away 5,000 jobs, and send people back down the mines.

“We said we would back the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and businesses dependent on Tata Steel – and we have delivered on that promise.”

Top Labour names to speak

The Prime Minister, the Welsh Secretary, and the First Minister will all address the party conference on Saturday (June 29), with speeches scheduled at 10:05am, 10:30am, and 2:10pm respectively.