Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, proposed reopening domestic coalmines and building new blast furnaces in Wales to ensure a guaranteed supply of steel and fuel, echoing Donald Trump's industrial revival pledges. Speaking in Port Talbot, he argued Welsh people would return to mining for well-paying jobs and that this plan, though difficult, is necessary and requires "scrapping net zero." This pitch comes ahead of next year's Welsh elections, where Reform UK is polling strongly.
Nigel Farage’s pitch for Welsh elections: bring back coalmining
Reform UKNigel FarageWelsh governmentWelsh politicsWalesPoliticsUKCoalMiningGreenhouse gas emissionsSteel industryEnergyFossil fuels
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, proposed reopening domestic coalmines and building new blast furnaces in Wales to ensure a guaranteed supply of steel and fuel, echoing Donald Trump's industrial revival pledges. Speaking in Port Talbot, he argued Welsh people would return to mining for well-paying jobs and that this plan, though difficult, is necessary and requires "scrapping net zero." This pitch comes ahead of next year's Welsh elections, where Reform UK is polling strongly.
Trending- 1 1990s: Nigel Farage worked in City of London metals trading.
- 2 Last year (2024): The Tata steel plant in Port Talbot shut.
- 3 Last week: Zia Yusuf resigned as Reform UK chair.
- 4 Monday (implied June 9, 2025): Nigel Farage spoke at an event in Port Talbot.
- 5 Next May (2026): Welsh Senedd elections.
- Political debate over industrial policy, net-zero targets, and job creation in Wales
- Potential shift in voting intentions for Welsh elections
What: Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, proposed reviving the coalmining and steel industries in Wales, including reopening domestic coalmines and building new blast furnaces, to ensure national supply and create jobs.
When: The speech was given on Monday (implied June 9, 2025). Welsh Senedd elections are next May (implied May 2026). The Tata steel plant in Port Talbot shut last year (implied 2024). Farage worked in the City of London in the 1990s. Zia Yusuf's resignation occurred last week.
Where: Port Talbot, south Wales, UK. Westminster (UK Parliament) is also mentioned in relation to potential blocking of the plan.
Why: To boost Reform UK's prominence in Wales ahead of elections, address national interest in steel supply, create jobs, and challenge net-zero policies.
How: Farage made a public speech outlining his proposals. The plan involves significant government policy changes, potentially requiring cooperation with the national UK government and a "change of philosophy" including "scrapping net zero."