Keir Starmer promises support for Mossmorran Plant
Gas plant polluting the air - Unsplash
By Zack McJimpsey
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged his support for workers at ExxonMobil's plant at Mossmorran after it would not sanction a bail out.
Hundreds of staff are now at risk of redundancy as the plant prepares to close by the end of February next year.
The plant has been producing the base materials for plastics for over 40 years.
When asked about the issue at PMQ’s this week Starmer said: “Let me just say about ExxonMobil, it is a difficult time for the workforce there and we must focus on supporting them.
“We’ve been meeting with the company for over six months and have explored every reasonable avenue.”
Mossmorran plant during sunset - Getty Images
Paul Greenwood ExxonMobil’s chairman has blamed UK Government policy as the reason for the closure. Mr Greenwood said that the UK government's commitment to not issue new licences for North Sea oil and gas exploration had contributed to higher ethane prices, while windfall taxes and emissions taxes have increased operating costs.
Greenwood said: “We paid £20m last year in CO2 taxes, that will double in the next four or five years
“My international competitors do not have those costs.
“I also have to deal with high energy costs and those kind of things – so these are deliberate government policies that are undermining us.”
Close up of a Gas fitting - Unsplash
The General Secretary of the union Unite said: “It is utterly disgraceful that a highly profitable company such as ExxonMobil has forced through this decision, which will have a huge impact on the local community.
“ExxonMobil must withdraw the closure threat and enter into meaningful negotiations with all key players to ensure the future of the plant and jobs.”
The Scottish Government has vowed to support the workers with First Minister John Swinney said his government would do “everything we can to support the workforce at a deeply concerning time.” He added that he was pressing the UK government to address high energy prices and the cost of doing business.
Many will struggle to find work after the plant closes if the government does not offer their promised help, workers around the country are holding their breath to see just how the government responds.