I am deeply concerned at the news this week that Grangemouth Oil Refinery is to cease operations as
Generations of people from Grangemouth, and the surrounding area, have worked at this site and it makes a substantial contribution to the local economy.
A just transition to renewables cannot mean significant job losses at sites like this. That represents a betrayal to communities like Grangemouth and will be detrimental to the wider economy.
Since the announcement, I have been underwhelmed by the response from both the SNP and Tory Governments. Both governments must get round the table with PetroIneos and the trade unions to retain jobs and support the workforce.
A future UK Labour Government will use £1 billion of public investment to decarbonise major industrial hubs such as Grangemouth and accelerate investment in technologies that can help heavy industry to decarbonise, such as Carbon Capture and Storage and green hydrogen.