News

Welsh steel communities at heart of tariff debate as unions warn strategy still lacking

Published

3 months ago

March 19, 2026

Port Talbot jobs and future of UK steel industry in focus despite government move to curb cheap imports

WELSH steelworkers could be among the biggest beneficiaries of new UK tariffs on imported steel — but unions have warned that without a long-term plan, the industry will continue to face uncertainty.

The UK Government has confirmed it will strengthen its tariff regime from June to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel on the domestic market, a move welcomed by trade union Unite.

However, the union says the decision highlights a wider problem — a reactive approach that has left critical industries like steel “lurching from crisis to crisis.”

The issue is particularly significant for Wales, where the steel industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, with communities such as Port Talbot heavily reliant on the sector for jobs and investment.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite welcomes the strengthening of the UK’s tariff regime to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel onto the domestic market from June.

“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.”

She added: “Ministers must introduce a long-term strategy that secures the future of the industry, which is vital to the UK’s economy and national security, without delay.”

The Herald understands that concerns remain across the Welsh steel sector about the pace and direction of change, particularly following the transition away from traditional blast furnace steelmaking at Port Talbot.

Unions and industry figures have repeatedly warned that the shift towards electric arc furnaces, while more environmentally sustainable, could reduce the UK’s ability to produce so-called “virgin steel” — a key material for major infrastructure and defence projects.

Unite has called on the government to go further by legislating to ensure that all major UK infrastructure developments use domestically produced steel.

The proposal would have clear implications for Wales, potentially boosting demand for steel produced at Welsh sites and helping to safeguard jobs.

Unite regional secretary Peter Hughes said: “The steel strategy must be a first step in backing the UK steel industry and steelworkers.

“Steel is a foundation industry and is critical to the success of our economy. 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.”

The debate comes at a crucial time for Welsh steelmaking, with significant public investment already committed to supporting the industry’s transition to greener production methods.

While ministers have framed the tariffs as a necessary step to protect domestic producers, critics argue that without a comprehensive industrial strategy, the measures risk being a short-term fix.

For communities in south Wales, the stakes remain high. Steel is not only a major employer but a defining part of the region’s identity — and decisions made in Westminster will have lasting consequences on the ground.

As global competition intensifies and energy costs remain volatile, pressure is mounting on the UK Government to move beyond emergency interventions and set out a clear, long-term vision for the future of steel — one that secures both jobs and production capacity in Wales.

Climate

Blue sea creatures wash up on Welsh beaches including Tenby

Published

3 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS to Welsh beaches have been warned not to touch unusual blue sea creatures which have washed ashore along parts of the coastline.

Hundreds of velella velella, commonly known as by-the-wind sailors, have been reported on beaches in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Tenby.

The small, bright blue marine creatures are free-floating hydrozoans and are related to Portuguese man o’ war, sea anemones and corals.

They get their name from a small sail-like structure on their body, which catches the wind and carries them across the surface of the sea.

One was spotted on Tenby South Beach on Tuesday (Jun 16), where beachgoer Maxine Allinson described it as “fantastic” and “like a crystal”.

Marine experts say the creatures are often seen after changes in currents or stormy weather, which can push large numbers ashore at the same time.

Although they are much smaller and less dangerous than Portuguese man o’ war, they do have stinging cells.

Their sting is usually mild, but people are being advised not to pick them up, especially as contact with the face, lips or sensitive skin could cause pain or tingling.

Experts also warn that the stinging cells can remain active even after the creatures appear to be dead on the beach.

The advice is to admire them from a safe distance and leave them where they are.

Caption: Maxine Allinson spotted a velella velella on Tenby South beach Tuesday

Local Government

Mayor to hold drop-in session for Haverfordwest residents

Published

3 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST residents will have the chance to raise ideas, concerns and local issues directly with the town’s mayor this week.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner will hold a Talk to Your Mayor session on Thursday, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

The initiative is aimed at giving residents an opportunity to speak directly with the mayor about matters affecting the town and wider community.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said communication and engagement were “vital”, adding that the session was about listening to local people, working together, and ensuring every voice had the opportunity to be heard.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment is asked to contact the Haverfordwest Town Council town clerk.

The mayor said: “Together, we can continue building a stronger and more connected community. Together we can make Haverfordwest the best in the west.”

News

Senedd rejects Reform call to end Welsh Government international spending

Published

4 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE SENEDD has rejected a Reform UK motion calling for an end to all Welsh Government international spending, after a heated debate which saw several Members walk out of the chamber.

The motion, tabled by Reform MS Llŷr Powell, was defeated by 48 votes to 37 on Wednesday (Jun 17).

An amended motion, backing Wales’ reputation as an “internationalist, tolerant and outward-looking nation”, was then passed by the same margin.

The debate followed warnings from Hub Cymru Africa and other campaigners that ending international spending would damage Wales’ global reputation and undermine projects linking Welsh communities with partners overseas.

Reform argued that Welsh Government money should be focused on domestic pressures, including the NHS, schools, transport and the cost of living.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar backed the Reform motion, saying foreign relations and international development were matters for the UK Government rather than Cardiff Bay.

But Plaid Cymru and Welsh Government speakers rejected that argument, saying Wales’ international work supported trade, public services, education, health partnerships and the country’s reputation abroad.

The debate became heated after comments by Reform MS Joe Martin, who criticised overseas schemes including beekeeping and tree-planting projects in Uganda.

Several MSs left the Siambr during his contribution, with the Llywydd later urging Members to reflect on the tone of the debate.

Hub Cymru Africa had said before the vote that Wales’ international solidarity budget represented a tiny fraction of overall spending and helped deliver work in public health, climate action, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

The organisation said the vote was an opportunity for the Senedd to reaffirm Wales’ place in the world.