Prime Minister Andy Burnham has visited Aberfan ahead of the 60th anniversary of the disaster which killed 116 children and 28 adults.
An entire generation was almost wiped out when 150,000 tonnes of coal waste slid down the hillside before engulfing Pantglas Junior School on October 21 1966.
Speaking to broadcasters, Burnham explained why he had decided to come to the village.
“I felt it was very important to mark the significance of the anniversary on Wednesday,” the Prime Minister said. “It’s been 60 years since one of the most horrifying tragedies this country has ever seen. All of those children lost. It was something that my mum and dad spoke to me about as I was growing up.
“So here to recognise the community, what the community has been through, but just in the community centre to thank them for being there for each other. The strength of the community today is something to see and something to feel.
“To say also to them, I don’t think Aberfan was treated properly by the authorities and that also needs to be recognised.
“Because at a moment like this, I think all of those things need to be said and it’s right that the Prime Minister is here to say that to them.”
Burnham told broadcasters coal tip safety, particularly in the former mining communities in south Wales, was of “critical importance”.
“Obviously, it’s of critical importance that we make sure that all of the remaining tips around Wales are safe indeed across the country,” Mr Burnham said.
“I represent a former mining community myself, so I fully understand the importance of these issues.
“The UK Government is providing around £140 million to the Welsh Government and they are adding some extra funding themselves. The funding is there.
“There’s an organisation that is being set up to manage all of these ongoing risks.
“I can give you that commitment that, of course, we will make sure that all the right things are done to make all communities across Wales safe.”
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