CLAIMS by Ukip that Wales’ embattled steel industry has a better chance of survival as a result of the UK leaving the European Union have been rubbished by opposing AMs.

Ukip tabled a debate in the Senedd today, Wednesday, claiming Tata Steel, which owns plants in Llanwern, Port Talbot and elsewhere in the UK, would benefit from the Brexit.

Earlier this year Tata announced it would sell its entire UK operation in the face of falling profits in the wake of an influx of cheap Chinese steel and high UK energy prices, putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

Opening the debate, Ukip South Wales West AM Caroline Jones said the EU had “shackled British business with masses of red tape”.

“Before the British public voted to leave the EU it seemed there was little we could do to save the steel industry,” she said.

Adding leaving the EU would free the industry from European regulations she said: “The new owners of Tata can look for new markets across the world.”

But her claims were met with widespread derision, with Plaid Cymru’s Bethan Jenkins, who also represents South Wales West, calling her argument “absurd”.

Labour Newport East AM John Griffiths said he also disagreed strongly with Ms Jones’ claims.

“The effects of Brexit on the economy will make life more difficult and more worrying for steel workers in Wales,” he said.

And his Labour colleague Lee Waters, who represents Llanelli, blasted the claims as “a sick joke” and “insensitive”.

AMs ultimately voted down the Ukip motion, approving instead an series of motions by Plaid Cymru expressing the importance of access to the single market for Tata.

It is believed a board meeting of Tata is being held in Mumbai on Friday, July 8, when a further decision over the sale may be made.