Grangemouth meeting gets the message across
Representatives at the meeting
A Falkirk MP has warned that one of Scotland’s most prosperous industries could be killed off by over-regulation.
That was the message to Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore from Michael Connarty as the two met at the Ineos refinery in Grangemouth on Monday.
Mr Moore was given a tour of the facility and met with senior Ineos staff.
There has been growing concern in the petrochemical industry in recent years that emerging UK and EU legislation will seriously undermine the global competitiveness of UK oil refineries, including the facility at Grangemouth.
Mr Connarty said: “It is important for local jobs and the Scottish economy to have the Secretary of State for Scotland understand the massive contribution made by the petrochemical and chemical industry based in Grangemouth, and particularly around the INEOS refinery complex.
“We all recognise that the Government’s carbon tax burdens are making fuel made in the UK more and more expensive to the general population but also threaten the UK’s ability to compete for markets and jobs.
“This is the same for chemicals, which are vital to the Grangemouth site, so we urged him to get on board and raise the case for Grangemouth and Scotland in Cabinet discussions.”
Gordon Grant, Ineos CEO of services and infrastructure at Grangemouth, said: “The visit provided us with an opportunity to explain our operations and the significant contribution the site makes to the local and national economies.
“We spoke with him about the range of challenges we face as a business operating in a global market including the current and emerging UK/EU legislation and the financial impact this could have on our business and therefore our ability to compete in this global market.”
Mr Moore said: “The Ineos site plays an important role in the Scottish economy.
“The jobs the company creates and sustains in the local area are essential.”
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Weather for Falkirk
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 7 C to 18 C
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