NEWPORT West MP Paul Flynn warned last night that if more steel jobs are lost the effect would be "devastating" on Welsh communities.

He told the government that all Welsh MPs were looking to ministers in London and Cardiff to do their utmost to ensure steel jobs were saved.

Speaking during the annual Welsh affairs debate Mr Flynn said: "In 2001, we lost 3,000 jobs and now the sword of Damocles is hanging over our communities again. That is an awful threat that could have devastating effects on many of our constituents."

He said: "To experience at first hand the ugly reality of the threat that has come again to Wales one has only to visit some of the four newly derelict sites in Wales.

"It is an eerie experience to go to Llanwern. When the steelworks was laid out brand new in 1962 it was shining, vibrant and exciting, with the best people from steel plants all over Britain.

"Now, those gigantic structures are still standing, but they are silent and rusting where once there were jobs and prosperity.

"We should think about what has happened to the lives of thousands of our constituents. Not only have they lost their jobs and the scrap of dignity that comes from having a job, but the job itself has gone, because the skill has been destroyed.

"They have nothing to look forward to and no expectation of a similar occupation for their children. We have suffered grievously in Wales."

He said the situation was not the fault of steelworkers who have adapted, rationalised and shared.