Oral Answers to Questions

Brian Leishman Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Can Members who are just roaming around the Chamber remember that there are other people here and have a little more courtesy?

[Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)]

If the Grangemouth refinery closes in 2025 and the recommendations of Project Willow will not be ready for years to come, thousands of jobs will be lost—the very definition of an unjust transition. How can the Government possibly claim to have a credible industrial strategy for Scotland if they allow that to happen?

[Ian Murray]

The closure of the Grangemouth refinery is regrettable. My hon. Friend needs to reflect on the fact that the previous Government and the Scottish Government had 32 years combined to do something about Grangemouth and did not lift a finger. Since we came into government in July, we have got the £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal over the line and delivered some short-term help for the workers at Grangemouth. We continue to work with the company and the trade unions on the Grangemouth refinery. We look forward to Project Willow coming to fruition this month, and the Government are fully committed to ensuring that we see that through.