Newport

Newport is the third largest conurbation in Wales. It is situated on the north side of the Bristol Channel, in the south east of Wales. The town used to be a major port for the export of coal and steel produced in the Valleys and the British Steel plant at Llanwern is still the major employer in the area. The town has been very successful in attracting inward investment projects, in July 1996 the Korean company announced plans to build two factories just outside Newport, together worth �1.7 bn and producing at least 6,000 new jobs. However, unemployment in September 1996 stood at 9.1 per cent, 0.6 per cent above the Welsh average. The unitary authority area also includes the towns of Carleon and Llanwern, and a rural hinterland around the towns. Only 2 per cent of the population speaks Welsh.

This is a solid Labour area, both parliamentary constituencies in the region are safe seats, and Labour holds 45 of the 47 seats on the council. The Conservatives won Newport West constituency in 1983, but Labour won it back in 1987, and none of the other parties have had a look in since.

Results of 1979 referendum:

		Yes		No		Turnout
All Wales		20%		80%		58.3%
Gwent		12%		88%		55.3%

Beaufort Research/Western Mail poll published on 2 July 1997:

		Agree		Disagree		Don't know
All Wales		43%		29%		28%
Cardiff/SE		37%		33%		30%