AnalysisFarage’s claim steel site will ‘never’ open is disputedpublished at 12:42 GMT

12:42 GMT

Huw Thomas
Wales business correspondent

Without providing any evidence to back the claim, Nigel Farage told the press conference that a new electric arc furnace for producing steel in Port Talbot will “never” open for business.

He said it was a “disaster” to turn off the previous two blast furnaces in 2024.

Referring to the new furnace, which is currently under construction, Farage said: “With our electricity prices, I guarantee you it will never, ever be turned on”.

This is disputed by those involved with the project.

I visited the construction site a few months ago and Tata Steel has consistently said it plans to get the furnace operating towards the end of 2027.

In its sustainability report – published this morning – Tata Steel said it had “moved forward at incredible pace” with its
plans for the electric arc furnace.