Commenting on the closure of Grangemouth refinery announced today, Laurie Macfarlane, Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland, said:

“The closure of Grangemouth refinery is a devastating blow to workers, the local community and Scotland's economy. It represents the systematic failure of the Scottish and UK Governments, who ignored the warning signs and buried their heads in the sand until it was too late. Today Scotland still bears the scars of deindustrialisation, and Grangemouth's fate is simply repeating the mistakes of the past.

“Managed effectively, the transition to net zero has the potential to create more new jobs than will be lost. But as long as the transition is guided solely by market forces, we will continue to see workers and communities left behind. This is entirely at odds with the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering a just transition.

“The failures surrounding Grangemouth must act as an urgent wake up call on both sides of the border. If we leave decarbonisation to market forces and distant shareholders, jobs will be lost and communities will be devastated. Without a far more proactive approach to industrial policy, a just transition will remain a distant pipe dream.”

ENDS

[1] To request an interview with a spokesperson or for any other questions please contact press@futureeconomy.scot or call 07909107890

[2] Future Economy Scotland is a non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just. The organisation does not have a formal stance on Scotland’s constitutional future, and is not aligned to any political party or any politician. The organisation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating with charitable principles. For more information visit: www.futureeconomy.scot