PREMIER Sir Keir Starmer concluded his whistle-stop tour of the devolved governments of the United Kingdom with talks in Cardiff on the future of the Port Talbot steel plant.

Sir Keir met Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething at the Senedd as the Tata-owned plant prepares to shed thousands of jobs. 

Labour has already committed to talks with the company to try and save jobs.

“Working in lockstep with the Welsh government and Vaughan, my government will place the people and communities of Wales front and centre as we move towards a decade of national renewal,” the Prime Minister said.

“That means turning the page on years of economic hardship, towards genuine shared prosperity for working people, so they see and feel real tangible change in their lives.”

Mr Gething is under pressure of his own following losing a no-confidence vote in the Senedd last month, something which Starmer’s pledged “immediate reset” in relations does not really help with.

Plaid Cymru, which no longer backs Labour’s administration in Wales, made gains in the general election and is now sending four MPs to Westminster.

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has requested a meeting with Starmer, urging that “the views of elected representatives in Wales are respected.”

He highlighted “a fair funding formula for Wales” and the devolution of justice, policing and the Crown estates as key issues to be considered.

Unite general secretary  Sharon Graham said: “Labour’s immediate commencement of talks with Tata about its UK operations offers fresh hope for steel-making in Wales.

“But make no mistake, time is of the essence — under Tata’s current plans 2,800 steelworkers could lose their jobs in a few short weeks.

“The extra investment that Unite secured is now available and Tata needs to think again.

“Now we will fight for a deal with real job guarantees which ensures Welsh steel-making has a successful future.”