International opera star Bryn Terfel has met Plaid Cymru Euro MP Jill Evans (see photo) to give his backing the campaign to keep the Burberry factory in Treorci, Rhondda, and has said that if the factory stays open he will wear and carry Burberry products on his travels around the world.
Bryn took time from his schedule to tell Jill how much he admired all the work she has been doing on behalf of the Burberry workers. He said:
"In response to an appeal by Jill Evans MEP, I want to send my warm good wishes for the success of the community campaign to keep the Burberry factory open and for the Treorci jobs to be safeguarded.
"I have asked Jill to convey to the Burberry workers my hope that 2007 will bring better news and that the future of the plant and the jobs can be secured."
And then Bryn made an offer which is surely a difficult one to refuse:
"If Burberry see sense and keep this factory open, I will wear Burberry clothes and carry Burberry bags."
Last week, Jill secured the backing of West End star Rhys Ifans for the campaign. She said that the fact that that Bryn Terfel had lent his powerful voice to the cause would be a great boost:
"Christmas and New Year will be a period of great uncertainty for the Burberry workers and their families who do not know what the future holds.
"However, the many messages of support from Wales and beyond show how strong the campign is. I am delighted that Bryn Terfel has joined us in saying that the community cannot afford to lose these jobs, and to hear him make this offer to Burberry. Let's see how they respond to that declaration of faith in the Rhondda workforce."
