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ExxonMobil Mossmorran 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Lead MP
The Minister for Industry Chris McDonald
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyEmploymentClimate
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
The Minister for Industry Chris McDonald raised concerns about exxonmobil mossmorran 2025-11-18 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today, I am saddened to announce the closure of the ExxonMobil Fife ethylene plant at Mossmorran in Scotland. This decision affects approximately 179 direct employees and 250 contractors employed by the site. While Shell has confirmed that its workforce or operations are not affected, this closure is a commercial decision made when the numbers did not add up due to significant capital investment required ($1 billion) and challenging petrochemicals market conditions, including a decline in ethane supply in the North Sea. Despite efforts from both Government officials and ExxonMobil to explore every possible opportunity to retain operations, the company concluded that support beyond acceptable levels would be needed for profitability. The Minister emphasised that this decision does not reflect on the employees or their work; they should feel proud of their contributions over 40 years. The Department stands ready to provide support through rapid response services and PACE partnerships. Over £250 billion in investment has been committed since last year, supporting over 45,000 jobs. Long-term, the Government is committed to promoting future industrial investment in the area.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Question
The closure of the Fife ethylene plant is due to Labour’s policies that have led to disinvestment in North Sea and high carbon taxes, which undermine competitiveness. The Minister must update on the £200 million fund for Grangemouth and provide clarity on future support for workers at Mossmorran.
Minister reply
The Government stands ready to assist affected employees through rapid response services and PACE partnerships, with plans for more support from the Secretary of State’s meeting with Unite tomorrow. The Department will update the House on progress regarding energy costs.
Susan Murray
LD
Question
This announcement is devastating for Mossmorran and communities around Fife. The absence of a coherent industrial strategy has created damaging uncertainty for manufacturing and energy sectors. What steps will the Government take to ensure that the UK remains a viable place for energy production?
Minister reply
We can see the failure in long-term planning when contrasting the two ethylene plants in Scotland. Grangemouth imports ethylene from the US at lower costs, requiring significant investment. ExxonMobil was aware of similar investment needs but judged it unsustainable. Businesses need certainty to invest; our industrial strategy supports renewable energy technologies.
Richard Baker
Lab
Question
This decision and its announcement is a poor way to treat workers who have given so much to the company and their communities, especially with four-year apprenticeships announced last year. Will the Minister ensure that these apprenticeships can continue?
Minister reply
I met my hon. Friend earlier to discuss this issue in detail. I raised it personally with the chairman of the company and established that there are approximately six apprentices involved. Local industry tends to respond rapidly, ensuring these apprentices can continue their apprenticeships.
Harriet Cross
Con
Question
Exxon has said that the plant’s closure reflects challenges in operating under an accelerating exit of vital industries due to policy decisions. When will the Government take responsibility for these job losses?
Minister reply
I spoke to the chairman of Exxon earlier and asked him specifically about this issue. He confirmed a few issues including the availability and cost of feedstock and the efficiency of the plant. Without the $1 billion investment, he could not see a future for the plant under current circumstances.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Question
I thank my hon. Friend for exposing the lack of transparency from ExxonMobil. My constituents certainly know exactly where the blame lies.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
The SNP Member challenged the Minister about the timing and impact of the announcement, questioning whether it had anything to do with Government policy on the North Sea. He also brought up Exxon's statement that market conditions were a factor in their decision.
Minister reply
The Minister clarified that while market conditions played a role, he restated the quote from the chair of ExxonMobil that the closure was not due to a lack of action or will on the part of the Government. He also highlighted past interventions and the £200 million commitment made to Grangemouth.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Question
The Labour Member asked about ensuring a future for workers despite negative comments from opposition members. He requested the Minister's assurance that he would work closely with relevant entities to ensure a positive outcome.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by stating that they would explore every possible avenue for support, including potential interested companies, in working with the Scottish Government and local council.
North East Fife
Question
The Liberal Democrat Member noted the silence on economic circumstances mentioned by ExxonMobil. She expressed disappointment that the first mention of the Scottish Government was at the end, and asked for details about conversations in advance.
Minister reply
The Minister apologised for mentioning the Scottish Government towards the end but clarified they were involved at the highest level. He emphasised ongoing discussions to explore new investment opportunities.
Glasgow West
Question
A Labour Member raised concerns about staff not being informed of redundancy packages and contract workers being locked out of the plant this morning.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that redundancy packages had been made available, and he would ensure further due diligence. He explained that permit revocation was a normal procedure for COMAH sites to brief all employees at once.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Question
The Conservative Member pointed out the high energy costs in the UK, which he believes cripples British industry. He also mentioned the carbon border adjustment mechanism.
Minister reply
The Minister committed to looking at all policies affecting competitiveness for heavy industries and provided detail on electricity and gas costs compared to other countries.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
The Minister draws attention to the five Scottish Ministers on the Government Front Bench but not one of them has said anything about the crisis facing those 400 families making a living from Mossmorran. What does the Minister say to that?
Minister reply
I reject the implication of an anti-Scottish bias and point out Labour's active engagement with industry, unlike previous governments who showed lack of involvement in supporting foundational industries.
Chris Kane
Lab
Stirling and Strathallan
Question
Does this decision not underline the urgent need for a robust industrial strategy in Scotland that protects jobs, strengthens the supply chain and ensures a manufacturing basis fit for the future?
Minister reply
Absolutely right. Our industrial strategy supports foundational industries including clean energy and defence sectors, which are crucial for economic stability.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Will he please say clearly what policy issues Exxon has had that led to this decision?
Minister reply
The company was clear it is a commercial decision based on investment and plant performance. The lack of viability for raw material importation investment led to the decision.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Question
I grew up near the plant and thank the Minister for his statement. Has the Scottish Government approached a Minister with any kind of coherent plan to support these workers or save the plant?
Minister reply
This Government has an active industrial policy working in partnership with industry, unlike previous governments who showed lack of proactive engagement on ownership issues.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
Is the Minister surprised that people in Aberdeen and the north-east have no faith in this Labour Government given promises for 60,000 jobs by 2030?
Minister reply
We are creating new jobs daily through renewable clean energy investments. While a significant job loss is expected, we aim to ensure 60% of direct jobs at the site and support remaining workers through local economy integration.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
Question
Despite attempts to engage with ExxonMobil over months, no viable plan was presented. What steps will be taken to ensure workforce receives necessary support?
Minister reply
We will work closely with colleagues in Scotland and other government departments to offer comprehensive support through DWP rapid response services and Pace scheme.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Question
Does the Minister accept pushing up taxes and energy prices makes UK an uncompetitive environment for energy-intensive industries? What policy changes will he make?
Minister reply
While acknowledging competitiveness issues, we have schemes like EIISS and supercharger to reduce power costs for over 7,000 businesses. However, high US gas prices remain a challenge.
Chris McDonald
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Question
How can we subsidise energy costs for sectors that are currently uncompetitive?
Minister reply
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will not be operational until 2027, and the Energy Supercharger scheme does not cover all industries such as ceramics. We need short-term solutions to support these sectors.
Richard Tice
Boston and Skegness
Question
How many industrial workers are at risk due to high energy costs?
Minister reply
High carbon prices, policy costs, and taxes make businesses unviable. Discussions with ExxonMobil have been ongoing regarding potential plant closures.
Christine Jardine
Edinburgh West
Question
What more can the Government do to engage multinational investors?
Minister reply
We have attracted £250 billion of investment through our industrial strategy, delivering jobs across the country. Policy certainty is key.
Tracy Gilbert
Edinburgh North and Leith
Question
Did the Deputy First Minister of Scotland refuse to take a call from the Secretary of State for Scotland?
Minister reply
In situations like this, every part of governance should act with a single-minded interest in affected workforce and communities.
Ellie Chowns
North Herefordshire
Question
How can we ensure a just transition for workers impacted by job losses?
Minister reply
Our clean energy jobs plan sets out the transition, with £5.8 billion committed to the National Wealth Fund for new projects. We are committed to working with industry and trade unions.
Graham Leadbitter
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Question
What is making a just transition unviable?
Minister reply
Government's responsibility is to ensure people can transition into new industries such as clean energy. The UK government has attracted £800 million of investment in battery storage projects for Scotland.
Sammy Wilson
East Antrim
Question
Why are net zero policies leading to job losses?
Minister reply
We expect 800,000 jobs to be created in clean energy industries. £52 billion of private sector investment has been attracted since July 2024, and £5 billion per year of gross value added from carbon capture and storage by 2050.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
It is sad to hear of yet another large UK company closure next year, this time in Mossmorran. Can the Minister provide an assurance that this Government will do all they can to protect the livelihoods of those workers and assure them of a future for their families?
Minister reply
The DWP stands ready to help the workforce at Mossmorran. Alongside the Scottish Government, the local authority and the UK Government taskforce, support is provided directly to employees and their families.
Andrew Bowie
Con
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow
Question
Did the Minister inadvertently mislead the House when he said that no policy decisions by this Government were reasons for closing the plant? The chairman of ExxonMobil gave four reasons, including carbon tax costing £20 million and a sharp decline in ethanol production due to government policy.
Shadow Comment
Andrew Bowie
Shadow Comment
This Labour Government's decisions have led to the loss of over 15,000 manufacturing and industry jobs since July 2024. The closure at Mossmorran is due to economic and policy realities created by this Government’s tax-and-ban policies in the North Sea and high carbon taxes (£20 million annually for Fife ethylene plant). This decimates domestic industrial capacity, leading to higher imports and undermining competitiveness downstream. The Minister's claim that support will be provided lacks clarity regarding future plans for Grangemouth and use of National Wealth Fund moneys. Britain cannot afford this Labour Government; they are offshoring carbon emissions and increasing reliance on imports due to crippling energy costs and taxes.
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