Grangemouth refinery closure is ‘litmus test’ of transition for politicians

Climate campaigners are marching with Grangemouth oil workers today in Edinburgh saying the Government’s response will be a ‘litmus test’ for transition plans.

Friends of the Earth Scotland will join the march to the Scottish Parliament which is demanding a credible transition plan for the affected workers and communities around the Grangemouth oil refinery.

Campaigners said politicians had ‘abdicated responsibility for industrial planning’ when they should be investing in climate solutions.

INEOS announced the oil refinery will close by summer 2025. The company instead will import refined oil, effectively offshoring the resultant climate pollution.

Friends of the Earth Scotland just transition campaigner Rosie Hampton commented,

“As climate campaigners, we are marching in solidarity with the Grangemouth oil workers because they need and deserve a credible transition plan.

“For too long, politicians have abdicated responsibility for industrial planning, leaving companies like INEOS to run riot with devastating effects on communities and the climate. We need to see ramped up public investment into job creation, upgrading our ports, and into retraining pathways for workers in places like Grangemouth.

“The understandable fear and anger amongst the community and workers in Grangemouth could be repeated across the country as we inevitably transition away from fossil fuels. The closure of the oil refinery is a litmus test for politicians’ true commitment to ensuring that this move is both in line with climate science and that it meets the needs of the communities affected.”

“By importing refined oil, INEOS are unashamedly offshoring their carbon emissions, proving once again that they couldn’t care less about their devastating climate impact.”

“Scotland and its workers need a renewable energy industry that is run in the public interest and can provide secure jobs for the long term.”