Grangemouth Refinery

Lord Martin of Springburn Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd October 2013 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Verma]

The noble Baroness raises a very important point. This is not just about one area but affects the whole country. This debate will be watched very closely and I will of course take back the requests of my noble friend and the noble Baroness that this is taken to the highest levels to ensure that we get proper engagement. What we want to see of course, at the end of it all, is the two parties around the table to resolve their differences.

[Lord Martin of Springburn (CB)]

The plant is on the east coast of Scotland. I live on the west coast and some of my neighbours and some of my former constituents travel on a daily basis to the plant. The impact therefore goes across the central belt of Scotland. For many reasons, I echo the case that has been put by noble Lords on both sides of the House. It is important to deal with this at prime ministerial level and that is where the negotiation should come from.

[Baroness Verma]

My Lords, I can only reassure noble Lords that we take this issue incredibly seriously. We are doing our utmost to ensure that there is engagement from both parties and are working very closely with the Scottish Government on this as well. As I have already said, this debate will be watched very closely and I am sure that everyone will take this debate seriously and encourage discussion.