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Oil Refining Sector
11 December 2025
Lead MP
Martin Vickers
Brigg and Immingham
Con
Responding Minister
Katie White
Tags
Scotland
Word Count: 14030
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Martin Vickers raised concerns about oil refining sector in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
We must consider how to support the oil refining sector while meeting climate targets, ensuring energy security and avoiding deindustrialisation. This includes addressing high energy costs, carbon costs, and unequal access to decarbonisation opportunities.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
My constituency is in northern Lincolnshire on the south bank of the Humber, which has been christened 'the UK’s Energy Estuary'. Until recently, the region had two major oil refineries, but the closure of Grangemouth and uncertainty at Lindsey refinery have left only four operational refineries in the UK. The number of refineries is down from 18 in the 1970s to just four now. Refinery output has decreased significantly over recent years, with demand still reliant on liquid fuels for transport.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
Raises concerns about the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery, resulting in significant job losses and economic impact on local businesses and communities.
West Dunbartonshire
The closure of Grangemouth oil refinery left around 400 employees and the wider community facing deep uncertainty. Both Governments should have acted sooner to set in motion plans for the site’s future, preparing for job losses which could have been avoided.
Euan Stainbank
SNP
Dunfermline and West Fife
The hon. Member agrees with securing the debate on oil refineries' strategic importance and discusses the impact of Grangemouth closure, highlighting job losses and tax base reduction in Falkirk. He welcomes the Government's determination to invest but notes ongoing concerns about high-skilled jobs being lost to other countries. Suggested delaying or lifting the cap on hydrotreated esters and fatty acids as recommended by Project Willow for future industrial options at Grangemouth. When the hon. Lady’s party was in power, they essentially excluded themselves from taking any action regarding the future of the Grangemouth refinery, characterising it as a commercial decision.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
The UK has lost two of its six remaining refineries in 2025, resulting in thousands of job losses. The carbon tax imposed on the refining sector makes it significantly harder for refineries to do business and increases costs for consumers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The closure of Grangemouth and Lindsey refineries has significant impacts on Northern Ireland's fuel supply, leading to increased reliance on imports. The debate highlights the need for a managed transition towards net zero goals.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Recalls the impact of coal mine closures in the 1980s, criticising current policies as detrimental to communities and industry. Expresses concern over Lindsey oil refinery facing closure due to costs imposed by net zero regulations. Asked the MP whether he agrees that the closure of oil refineries hurts working people.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
Responds to Sir Edward Leigh by suggesting that small measures in carbon emission reduction can collectively make significant global contributions. The closure of oil refineries is part of a broader shift in technological change. It is crucial to secure energy supplies while transforming the economy into a green, prosperous one through just transition measures.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
The hon. Member for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East highlights the anger of workers made redundant due to the UK Government’s failure to support their transition, emphasizing that a just transition is far removed from reality.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Highlights the negative impact of green policies on job creation and energy security, arguing for a balance between environmental protection and economic stability. Asked why the Government were taxing refineries out of existence despite praising them.
Government Response
Katie White
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Government Response
I thank the hon. Member for Brigg and Immingham (Martin Vickers) for securing this important debate, noting the passion and emotion expressed by Members. The Government are committed to securing the long-term viability of the UK’s refining sector through policies aimed at addressing challenges faced by the industry, including reviewing critical policies as set out in the autumn Budget. Confirmed that current benchmarks will stay in place for the 2027 scheme, giving certainty to refineries. Discussed efforts to compensate energy-intensive industries and include refined products in carbon border adjustment mechanism. Announced a £3 million investment with Scottish Government for MiAlgae at Grangemouth.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.