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The UK and Welsh Governments must work collaboratively to ensure coal tip safety, contaminated land remediation, and tackling metal mine pollution remain at the forefront of their joint political agendas, MPs say today.

• Read the letter

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, the Welsh Affairs Committee welcomes funding announced by the UK Government for coal tip safety but remains concerned about the lack of progress on managing contaminated land.

The letter notes that despite decades having passed since coal, steel, chemical and metal mining operations ceased, communities across Wales continue to live with the economic legacy and environmental impacts of that era, with more than 2,500 coal tips, over 1,300 abandoned metal mines, and thousands of contaminated land sites. The decline of mining and manufacturing has left economic challenges while the environmental impacts continue to shape local ecosystems and are ongoing public safety considerations. 

MPs also call for a long-term skills and apprenticeship pipeline to be designed specifically for former industrial communities, to ensure local people are equipped to access jobs created by new industries, and to build the technical expertise required to manage former industrial sites.

The letter is an interim update to the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the environmental and economic legacy of Wales’ industrial past. The inquiry has taken evidence from environmental organisations, Welsh local authorities, community regeneration experts, and the Welsh and UK Governments. 

The Committee has asked the UK Government to respond to the letter by 20 June. 

Chair comment

Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, Ruth Jones MP, said:

“Our former industrial communities played a pivotal role shaping the country we have today. However, many of the communities that were once powered by heavy industries, are left to shoulder the environmental and economic legacy of that era.  Although welcome progress has been made to address coal tips safety, the evidence presented to us makes clear that, without sustained and coordinated action from both Governments, former industrial communities will continue to face long-term problems. 

“There’s also more that needs to be done to support and equip former industrial communities with the technical skills and opportunities they need to thrive individually and to manage their local environment. 

“We are calling for both Governments to work together to have a plan to ensure long-term success. This must address the challenges with metal mine pollution and contaminated land, as well as support communities to access the skills, jobs and opportunities they need. We will keep a watchful eye on progress and continue to work on these issues throughout this Parliament.”

Further information

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