Brian Leishman, the Scottish Labour MP representing Grangemouth and Alloa, recently voiced his concerns about the UK Government’s handling of the impending closure of Scotland’s last oil refinery, Grangemouth. In a candid interview, Leishman criticized the inaction of both the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, and the UK Government in addressing the closure, which is expected to result in around 400 job losses.
Leishman expressed disappointment that neither Sarwar nor the UK Government had adequately addressed the crisis at Grangemouth, emphasizing the significant impact it will have on Scotland’s economy, energy security, and national security. He urged both parties to prioritize the welfare of Scotland’s workers and take immediate action to prevent the closure of the refinery.
Urgent Call for Government Intervention
Leishman called on the Prime Minister to intervene and prevent the closure of Grangemouth, highlighting the broken promises made by politicians in the past regarding the protection of jobs at the refinery. He emphasized the need for sustained investment in the area to transform it into a sustainable aviation fuel refinery, which could benefit the local community and economy.
The MP also stressed the upcoming Holyrood elections in 2026, warning that the electorate will not forget the government’s response to the Grangemouth crisis. He emphasized that improving people’s living standards should be the primary focus of any government, and urged politicians to prioritize the well-being of workers and communities affected by the closure.
STUC Voices Concerns
Roz Foyer, the general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), echoed Leishman’s concerns, stating that both the UK and Scottish governments were failing workers at Grangemouth. She emphasized the importance of saving jobs at the refinery and investing in a just transition to protect workers across Scotland.
Foyer’s comments at the Scottish Labour conference underscored the urgent need for government intervention to prevent the closure of Grangemouth and support workers during this challenging time. She called on politicians to prioritize the well-being of workers and communities affected by the closure of the refinery.
In response to the criticism, a Scottish Labour spokesperson defended the party’s actions, highlighting the measures taken to address the crisis at Grangemouth. The spokesperson emphasized the government’s efforts to secure funding for economic growth in the Falkirk and Grangemouth area, create jobs, and support the transition to a sustainable future for the refinery site.
As the situation at Grangemouth continues to unfold, the calls for government intervention and support for workers grow louder. The closure of the refinery represents a significant challenge for the local community and economy, highlighting the need for swift and decisive action to protect jobs and ensure a sustainable future for the region. The response of political leaders in the coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome for the workers and communities affected by this crisis.
