Jonathan Reynolds mocks Nigel Farage’s coal mines plan as an ‘absolute parody’
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Nigel Farage ridiculed for plan to ‘re-industrialise Wales’
- Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds criticised Nigel Farage's plan to reopen coal mines in Wales, calling it a "parody" of what working-class people want.
- Mr Reynolds, whose grandfather was a coal miner, said Farage failed to understand the pride and aspirations of working-class communities.
- Mr Farage announced Reform UK's ambition to restart Port Talbot’s blast furnaces and ‘re-industrialise Wales’ by resuming coal production, aiming to challenge Labour's dominance in the Senedd elections.
- Mr Reynolds also defended the UK's plan for closer trade ties with the US, emphasising the need to engage despite differing views.
- Mr Reynolds recounted a phone call with his US counterpart, humorously noting concerns about poor phone signal potentially leading to unintended concessions during negotiations.