[Falkirk, 15.04.2025] Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank returned to Westminster on Saturday to vote for the Labour Government’s plan to secure the future of British Steel—describing the move as a “crucial step for national industrial security”.
Despite not being called to speak during the emergency debate, the Falkirk MP confirmed that he submitted a series of parliamentary questions to press the case for urgent action on the future of the Grangemouth industry.
Mr Stainbank said:
“On Saturday, I travelled to Parliament from a family holiday to vote for the Government’s plan to secure British Steel. This is a welcome and crucial step for national industrial security.
“Grangemouth remains a priority for myself as a Falkirk MP. From successfully campaigning for a £200 million commitment from the National Wealth Fund for Grangemouth, to continually raising policy barriers to new industries in the House.
“On Saturday, I was unable to get in to speak but intended to raise further support for my constituents who work in Grangemouth.
“The Scottish Affairs Committee last week exposed that SNP and Conservative Ministers knew for five years about the risk to Grangemouth and failed to lift a finger to help. While I will continue to raise this in the House, it is galling to see the blatant political spin in Parliament from colleagues who refused to engage with or ignored the Grangemouth refinery prior to the announcement of closure in 2023.”
Mr Stainbank also confirmed that he had submitted the following written questions to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero:
- To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero what consideration has been made of the Government taking a transitional stake in the Grangemouth oil refinery.
- To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero how many meetings were held between Petroineos and the UK Government from December 2019 to September 2024 to discuss the future of Grangemouth oil refinery.
- To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero what information was available to them prior to September 2024 for making an investment decision on the Grangemouth oil refinery.
- To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero what evaluation of the national security importance of Grangemouth oil refinery has been made in consideration of its closure.
- To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero what meetings were held with Scottish Government ministers regarding the future of Grangemouth oil refinery prior to September 2024.
- To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero what engagement his department has had recently with the Grangemouth Future Industry Board.
- To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero what assessment they’ve made of using debt or equity from the National Wealth Fund money in developing a business case for the investable opportunities provided in Project Willow.
In addition to submitting the parliamentary questions above to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Mr Stainbank has also written to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade requesting an urgent meeting to discuss what further support the UK Government can provide to secure Grangemouth’s future and remove policy barriers to accelerated investment.
Mr Stainbank said:
“These written questions and my letter to the Secretary of State are part of my ongoing efforts to ensure that Grangemouth is not left behind. I’ve been clear that Grangemouth matters—not just for Falkirk, but for Scotland and whole of the UK—and I will continue to press for the answers, meetings and any action that secures an industrial future for Grangemouth.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Had he been called to speak, Mr Stainbank intended to put this direct question to the Minister:
This legislation is a responsible, radical and urgent move reflecting the strategic national interest of maintaining British steel – this is only deliverable under a Labour Government.
I’m curious why the SNP have taken such an interest in Grangemouth today given their utter silence on the impact of Petroineos’ closure on my community for years, when their own Ministers knew it was coming down the line and failed to lift a finger. I would be very interested if the noise in the chamber reflects the First Minister’s position.
With the £200 million commitment to the future of Grangemouth and Project Willow coming down the line, will the Minister update the House on what actions they have taken to secure the future of Grangemouth, and will they commit to meeting with me to discuss what further we can do for Grangemouth given this radical and welcome approach we’ve taken with Scunthorpe?
- Attached is Euan Stainbank MP’s Letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
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