Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that Nigel Farage’s steel industry proposals could lead to the loss of 5,000 jobs in Wales. Speaking at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno,
Starmer criticised the Reform UK leader for lacking a credible plan and being disinterested in Welsh communities.
Farage recently visited Port Talbot and called for the return of blast furnaces. Starmer dismissed this as unrealistic, saying Farage’s plan would scrap the upcoming electric arc furnace project—due to begin construction soon—jeopardising thousands of jobs.
“Farage pretends to care about workers and patriotism while siding with Putin and attacking our armed forces online,” Starmer said. “He doesn’t care about Wales—only about himself.”
Labour infighting and political tensions
Starmer also sought to ease tensions within Labour, following weeks of criticism from Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan. He praised her as a “fantastic first minister” and said concerns raised were valid. He insisted the UK and Welsh governments are working well together, citing a large financial settlement and investments in rail and coal tip safety.
Despite a recent rebellion over disability benefit reforms, Starmer insisted changes would still protect those most in need.
Accusations of political deals
Starmer accused Plaid Cymru of being open to a post-election deal with Reform and the Conservatives—a claim Plaid strongly rejected as “fiction.” Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth reiterated that his party would never cooperate with Reform, and was unlikely to form a formal alliance with the Tories either, though issue-by-issue cooperation remains possible.
The next Senedd election in 2026 will use a new voting system, making coalition governance likely. Welsh Conservatives, meanwhile, said they would work with “anyone” to oust Labour from power.
Rising challenges from reform and plaid
Eluned Morgan warned the party of growing threats, saying: “Reform are rising. Plaid are mobilising. This is a moment of reckoning.”
She urged Labour to stay united ahead of the next election. Meanwhile, UK Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens announced an £11m fund for businesses in Port Talbot, with contributions from the UK government and Tata Steel.
Stevens called Reform and Plaid “two sides of the same coin”—both nationalist and divisive—with no credible plans for the NHS.
Protests outside the conference
Outside the venue, a pro-Palestinian protest drew two Labour politicians, Steve Witherden and John Griffiths, who accused Israel of genocide—claims Israel denies. Witherden called for a ban on UK arms sales to Israel. A smaller pro-Israeli demonstration took place nearby, separated by police.
Labour's balancing act in Wales
A large banner reading “The Red Welsh Way” greeted conference attendees—a nod to Morgan’s earlier criticism of the UK government. The image highlighted Labour's challenge in Wales: maintaining unity while showing independence from decisions made in Westminster. With tensions rising, the party must now convince voters of the benefits of a united Labour presence in both Cardiff and London. Photo by Alf van Beem, Wikimedia commons.