'Steel industry important to Wales', says Carwyn Jones

First Minister Carwyn Jones said the UK government should do more to help firms like Tata Steel to remain competitive by reducing energy costs associated with production.

He was speaking after Tata Steel announced it was to mothball part of its plant in Llanwern, Newport, for the third time in six years with the loss of 250 jobs.

The UK government has said it was providing £35m to steel companies to help offset electricity costs and it was examining what more could be done.

Tata said it needed to "reduce costs and focus on manufacturing higher-value products".

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Jones said: "In London they think that steel is a bit of a quaint industry, not important. In Wales it is important."