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INEOS Chemicals Grangemouth 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Lead MP
Chris McDonald
Business and Trade
Lab
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Climate
Other Contributors: 29
At a Glance
Chris McDonald raised concerns about ineos chemicals grangemouth 2025-12-17 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 Response
The Government secured an agreement to protect vital chemical production and hundreds of jobs at INEOS Grangemouth with a support package of over £120 million. The funding will ensure the site remains commercially viable, protecting 500 jobs directly and many more in supply chains. It also includes investment into improving energy efficiency and decreasing carbon emissions. The Industry Minister provides assurances that projects from the National Wealth Fund are being examined, discusses the importance of clean energy jobs, rebuts criticism about job losses in North Sea oil and gas sectors due to Government policies, and emphasises the partnership approach in Labour’s industrial strategy. Agreed that only Labour Ministers made this decision. Highlighted impact on securing ethylene pipeline and UK chemical plants. Noted Prax Lindsey oil refinery challenges, providing significant transitional support for workers moving into other jobs.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Business and Trade
The Government have secured an agreement to protect the INEOS ethylene cracker in Grangemouth, which is vital for UK supply chains. The plant produces three quarters of its ethylene domestically, used in critical infrastructure and industries like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and defence. Due to the site's strategic importance, the government provided over £120 million support package to INEOS, part of a wider £150 million investment by the company to ensure sustainable operations. This includes protecting 500 jobs at Grangemouth and supporting critical supply chains.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
While welcoming the government's announcement, Andrew Bowie criticises Labour for leading to deindustrialisation in the UK. He cites numerous examples of energy-intensive industries losing jobs due to high taxes and energy costs. Despite protecting 500 jobs at Grangemouth, he highlights that thousands more are affected negatively by current policies. The chairman of INEOS at Grangemouth warns of 200,000 jobs at risk if the government does not change course.
Chris McDonald
Con
Dunbartonshire West
Welcomed support for Grangemouth, mentioned the energy-intensive industries scheme and increased supercharger levels. He highlighted that electricity costs were already more competitive than many European countries but not France or Germany.
Chris McDonald
Con
Dunbartonshire West
Acknowledged the support from Government teams, including the taskforce led by Fife council and Scottish Government. Mentioned the MiAlgae deal and its £3 million of support announced in the Budget.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Welcomed the Government’s announcement but questioned whether the scheme would be in place earlier, highlighting the need for a long-term plan to slash energy costs through investment in renewables and decoupling electricity from gas prices.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Welcomed the protection of 500 jobs at Grangemouth and commitment to making the most of the energy transition. Questioned what alternative options are available for businesses who will not qualify for the British industrial competitiveness scheme.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Complimented Brian Leishman on his advocacy for jobs at Grangemouth. Noted workers' dissatisfaction with the Chancellor's visit and policies attacking the oil and gas industry.
Chris McDonald
Con
Dunbartonshire West
Acknowledged David Mundell's compliment to Brian Leishman, stating his value in contributions and support. Mentioned that electricity costs were already more competitive than many European countries but not France or Germany.
Glasgow West
Complimented the Minister for securing deals to protect jobs at Grangemouth, mentioning Babcock and BAE Systems. Asked about further developments in Grangemouth.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Central Ayrshire
The Industry Minister thanks his colleague for his continued support and announces that projects from the National Wealth Fund’s £200 million commitment are being examined. He also commends local councillor Siobhan Paterson for her work.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
The SNP member acknowledges the 500 jobs saved but emphasises that 500 jobs are lost every two weeks in Scotland's North Sea industry. He questions the Government's approach to oil and gas transition.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
He argues that previous governments, including the Tories and SNP, failed to act on industrial needs, while this government is backing strategically vital industries and protecting thousands of jobs through supply chains.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
She welcomes the announcement but criticises the Government's policies for causing job losses in oil and gas sectors, urging them to get rid of windfall taxes.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
She strongly welcomes the agreement for reindustrializing Grangemouth and asks about when the £25 million seed capital will be deployed to further secure jobs in the area.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
He acknowledges the importance of saved jobs but criticises the Government for intervening in industries damaged by their own policies, suggesting lower energy prices elsewhere could be beneficial.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
The member thanks the Minister and his team for securing 500 jobs at Grangemouth. He also pays tribute to former Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and criticises the SNP’s lack of action.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Welcomes the £200 million project fund from the National Wealth Fund to Grangemouth. Acknowledges that some projects will fail but this is part of a portfolio approach. Defends the Government's industrial strategy decisions compared to previous inaction by SNP and Tories.
West Dunbartonshire
Welcomes news for Grangemouth and Scotland, criticises SNP for failing to mention investment earlier. Argues that a Scottish Labour Government is needed to secure more jobs in the region.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Welcomes announcement but criticises lack of support for workers at Mossmorran refinery. Questions fiscal regime affecting oil and gas industry and calls for a just transition.
Katrina Murray
Lab
Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
Pays tribute to Ministers across Departments for the investment in Grangemouth, mentions new jobs in advanced manufacturing and chemical sectors. Asks about liaising with Scottish Government on skills development.
Chris Murray
Lab
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Welcomes announcement as important for workers in Grangemouth and wider Scottish economy, criticises SNP's inability to support strategic industries compared to Labour's actions.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Thanks Minister for not giving up on workers, mentions potential of Grangemouth in sustainable aviation fuel production. Asks if Government is exploring this possibility.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Welcomes announcement as protecting jobs and investment in national security, criticises SNP and Tories for previous indifference to industry.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Welcomes news about new investment at Grangemouth, asks if Government is exploring possible alternative futures for Mossmorran site and workforce.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Thanked Members on the Government Front Bench for their work on investment, including former Secretary of State Ian Murray. Emphasised Grangemouth's importance to his constituency and noted that many constituents work at the site. Criticised SNP and Tories for ignoring Grangemouth in the past but praised Labour Ministers' current efforts which protect 500 jobs and create more in future.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Agreed with Graeme Downie about the constructive work of a Labour Government. Mentioned Project Willow, identifying Grangemouth as ideal for plastics recycling and biofuels projects to maximise local competitive advantage and workforce skills.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Acknowledged the lack of action from Tories and SNP on the long-term future of Grangemouth. Welcomed Labour Ministers' decision as offering opportunities for workers affected by the closure of ExxonMobil plant at Mossmorran, asking about further modern industrial strategy opportunities in high-growth industries including Methil yard.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Emphasised that only Labour Ministers made this decision. Highlighted the impact on securing the ethylene pipeline and UK chemical plants. Mentioned Prax Lindsey oil refinery challenges, noting significant transitional support for workers moving into other jobs.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Asked why there is investment at Grangemouth but not at Prax Lindsey oil refinery in Humberside, where 400 directly employed people have lost or will lose their jobs by March, along with hundreds more in the supply chain.
Shadow Response
Andrew Bowie
Shadow Response
Welcomes the government's announcement but criticises Labour for leading to deindustrialisation in the UK due to high taxes and energy costs. Raises concerns about thousands of jobs lost or at risk, citing examples like Harbour Energy and the Port of Aberdeen.
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Assessment & feedback
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