A bad, bad day
It was, said the Welsh Secretary, a bad, bad day.
He was hugely disappointed, determined to do what he could to help people - and reminded that he had done it all before.
Paul Murphy stood on almost exactly the same spot in his office in Gwydyr House eight years ago to face cameras and questions about huge job losses at Corus. The then Welsh Secretary joined Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers and union leaders in talking about a body blow to Llanwern, Port Talbot, Ebbw Vale, Deeside and Bryngwyn.
Eight years ago he called on Corus to think again and "to act positively ".
But while Mr Murphy may be back and standing just where he did in 2001, economic conditions have not stood still. This time there was no rallying call for Corus to think again. This time he agreed with the First Minister that it will be even tougher for Welsh communities in Llanwern, Pontarddulais, Ammanford, Caerphilly and Shotton to bear the brunt of more job losses. This was "different", difficult.
No, mothballing isn't closing. The infrastructure is still there. The hot strip mill in Llanwern could be restarted when the orders start rolling in again but "our job in government has to be about people" said Mr Murphy and that meant supporting them now.
How? Wage subsidy? Is there a way - is there an appetite - for giving Tata Steel the kind of support the UK government has given parts of the banking sector? There were "various subsidy schemes" under discussion said Mr Murphy but his main concern was offering direct help to workers who may soon be out of a job.
At his right hand a leaflet the Wales Office had prepared earlier, listing the support available for businesses and households in Wales. There was a lot of help, said Mr Murphy, a host of schemes all designed to offer practical advice adn support where and when it was needed. It had all been a bit complicated but now it had been distilled.
The title? "Real help now".
Good timing, more's the pity.
About time say those who want to see something other than yet another summit.
On the wall, looking down on the gloomy gathering, a painting of a woman swathed in blue, playing the cello. It's beautiful, by Augustus John and is on loan from the National Museum.
Today I glanced up and just couldn't quite dismiss the thought of fiddling while Rome is burning.
I'm Betsan Powys, Ö÷²¥´óÐã Wales' political editor. I'll be blogging the inside track on .
Comments
or to comment.