Key facts
- Ebbw Vale, Wales, saw 62% of its residents vote to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum.
- Despite receiving significant EU funding for regeneration, the town continues to face economic challenges and a lack of jobs.
- Residents express regret over the Brexit vote, with some believing it has worsened economic conditions.
- The closure of the Ebbw Vale steelworks over two decades ago marked the loss of traditional skilled manufacturing jobs.
- Political support in the area has shifted away from Labour towards Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.
Ebbw Vale, a town in the Welsh valleys, is grappling with economic hardship and regret over its strong vote to leave the European Union in 2016. Despite significant regeneration efforts, including modern facilities and tech firms on the site of the former steelworks, the area remains quiet, with many residents feeling left behind.
John Edwards, a volunteer at the Ebbw Vale Works Museum, noted that while the new train station is busy with commuters, the town itself does not attract many visitors. He highlighted that Blaenau Gwent, the region Ebbw Vale is part of, received substantial EU funding for structural and regional development after the steelworks closed in 2002, with much of it directed towards regeneration projects. However, a report by the Bevan Foundation suggests this funding did not significantly improve the fortunes of the area.
Claire Jones, a local resident, expressed shock at the Brexit vote, given the visible EU support. She believes many voters either did not understand the implications or were swayed by the Leave campaign's focus on immigration. Lindsay Whittle, a Plaid Cymru representative, stated that the Brexit vote reflected a deep sense of despair and feeling left behind, suggesting that many now regret their decision.
Economic struggles in Ebbw Vale predate Brexit, with the closure of the steel mill over two decades ago eliminating traditional skilled manufacturing jobs. Despite EU funding, job numbers and real median wages declined steadily until 2016. In the decade since Brexit, the UK has not fully compensated for the loss of EU funding. While Ebbw Vale is part of a Welsh government tech valleys programme, and new businesses have opened, the cost of living crisis continues to affect local enterprises and residents.
Mike, a former steelworker, described regeneration projects as 'white elephants' and noted the scarcity of local jobs, forcing people to commute and driving up house prices. Despite concerns about immigration, official data shows a low percentage of the population was born abroad. The area's political landscape has also shifted, with a decline in Labour support and gains for Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, reflecting a growing sentiment that Westminster does not serve the interests of the Welsh people.