Nick Smith MP joined the man leading Labour’s response for Brexit on a fact finding visit to one of the biggest employers in Blaenau Gwent.

Tillery Valley Foods employs more than 380 people and produce more than 1,200 meal choices for hospitals and more across Britain, with generations of the same families working at the Cwmtillery site.

As part of his work canvassing people across the country to ensure the best Brexit deal possible, the site hosted Nick and Keir Starmer, Shadow Secretary of State for Brexit, for a site tour.

Alongside chatting about the difficulties caused by a weakened pound and importing ingredients from overseas, the group also met workers on the factory floor.

Speaking after the visit, Keir said it was vital to not just debate in Parliament, but speak to real people about their concerns going into Brexit.

“Places like Tillery Valley are really important businesses employing lots of local people”, he said.

“Visits like this are essential to help me and the Labour Party fully understand the implications of Brexit on all our sectors.”

Nick said: “This site is one of the real bedrocks of the community for employment and I was pleased to be able to help host this visit for the Shadow Secretary of State”.

“It’s proof Blaenau Gwent’s opinion on what we need when we leave the EU is just as important as anywhere else in the country.

“We were a leave constituency and it’s up to Labour to put pressure on the Government to deliver a Brexit that puts jobs at the heart of the agenda”.

Editors note: Pictured with Nick Smith and Keir Starmer are TVF Divisional Director Philip Hall and Technical Director Cath Lillow