Labour warned failure to save Grangemouth oil refinery could cost party support in Scotland

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Labour has been warned it will lose support in Scotland if the UK Government fails to save the Grangemouth oil refinery from closure.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, also said her union would not support Anas Sarwar's party at the next Holyrood election in 2026 unless it "lifted a finger" to protect 400 jobs at risk at the industrial site on the Forth.

She spoke out ahead of a march in Edinburgh today where Grangemouth workers and union members will march to the Scottish Parliament to demand MSPs support their cause.

Unite has argued Scotland's last remaining oil refinery could be converted into a production facility for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The union argues the rising global demand for SAF means it would secure a long-term economic future for the site.

Petroineos, which owns the refinery, claims it loses on average £385,000 per day and expects a £150 million loss this year.

It plans to cease refining operations in spring next year, which puts more than 400 jobs at risk of redundancy.

Graham was particularly critical of the UK Government for accepting the figures quoted by the refinery workers.

The Unite chief said: "The outrageous statements from Ian Murray, and the Scottish Office - declaring there’s ‘nothing' which the UK Government can do to save Grangemouth - won’t cut it with anyone.

"Labour has chosen to swallow hook, line and sinker what owners Petroineos are saying, without a word in defiance. Down south, the same feeble platitudes have been delivered by the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband.

"It’s an astonishing, abhorrent abdication of their duty to fight for the Grangemouth workers, the Grangemouth community and Scotland.

"Mark my words, if Murray, Miliband and the Labour Government continue to fail these workers they will never be forgotten nor forgiven.

“Unite is absolutely clear, if Labour here don’t don’t lift a finger to fight for Grangemouth then why should Unite be lifting a finger to support Scottish Labour at the 2026 elections.

"We demand that every Labour MSP should be furious about what’s going on instead of nodding in silent acquiescence".

Graham called on MSPs from all parties to lend their support to workers who will rally today.

She added: "To throw highly skilled workers at Grangemouth on the scrapheap would be a monumental act of industrial vandalism. Grangemouth is essential to the success of the Scottish economy and politicians from all parties need to focus on finding a viable solution.

"Politicians from all sides need to come together and ensure a viable future for Grangemouth, not at some time in the distant future but here and now. A failure to act by either Westminster or Holyrood government will not be forgiven or forgotten."

Michael Shanks, the UK Energy Minister, said: "We have been very clear that Petroineos’ recent confirmation on the closure of Grangemouth oil refinery was deeply disappointing.

"Before July, there was no overall plan for the future of the Grangemouth refinery. Within weeks, we worked with the Scottish Government to put together an unprecedented £100m package to support the community and invest in the local workforce, along with tailored support to help those affected find good, alternative jobs.

"We are also jointly funding Project Willow with £1.5m to develop options for a sustainable industrial future at the site."

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