Keir Starmer (Image: Getty Images)

Keir Starmer doesn't 'accept' he is letting Scotland down by not nationalising Grangemouth

The Prime Minister said in an interview with STV News that the £10 million his Government had allocated for the site was "a good package".

by · Daily Record

Keir Starmer has said that he does not "accept" that Labour will be "letting Scotland down" if it does not nationalise the Grangemouth oil refinery.

The Prime Minister said in an interview with STV News that the £10 million his Government had allocated for the site was "a good package".

It comes after Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth Brian Leishman said the Government would be "letting Scotland down" if the refinery closes.

Petroineos announced last week it would cease refining operations at Grangemouth in spring 2025 and proceed with a plan to convert the site into an fuels import terminal.

The company, which is a joint venture between the Chinese state and Ineos, said it would begin a formal consultation period with the 475 staff currently employed by its refinery business.

When it was put to Starmer that not nationalising the plant would let down the country and lead to "industrial devastation", he said: "I don't accept that. We are absolutely focused on the transition we need to clean power by 2030. Scotland plays a huge part in that.

"That's the case we made in the election. We've got those Scottish MPs now and I intend to deliver on the promises that we made in terms of the economy, in terms of the next stage towards transition and to make sure that the good jobs of the future are in Scotland.

"Hence GB energy, being headquartered in Scotland is a sort of statement of intent, if you like."

When asked how many jobs the £10m put in would save, the Prime Minister replied: "Well, Grangemouth is obviously a cause for concern, and we've put in a good package that puts... we've done that working obviously with others."

Scottish politics

He continued: "We’ve tried to put the right deal in for the local community and those whose jobs are at risk but also I want to develop the future of Grangemouth as well. So we'll continue to work in that way. I do know how important it is."

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