01-05-2025
Grangemouth's fate was sealed when Scotland didn't back independence
The ultimate failure of our Yes campaign to convince 50%+1 of the voters that Scotland could not only survive but prosper as an independent nation resulted in the continuation, to this day, of the so-called United Kingdom.
Up until a few days ago there were six major oil refineries in the UK.
Phillips 66, Humber Refinery, South Killingholme – 221,000 barrels per day;
Prax, Lindsey Oil Refinery, North Killingholme – 111,300 barrels per day;
Petroineos, Grangemouth refinery –150,000 barrels per day;
Essar Energy plc, Stanlow refinery – 190,000 barrels per day.
Valero Energy Corp, Pembroke refinery – 270,000 barrels per day;
ExxonMobil, Fawley refinery – 270,000 barrels per day.
In total, that's an overall refining capacity of over 1.2 million barrels per day. The five other UK refineries will apparently be able to fill the shortfall from the loss of Grangemouth. From a UK perspective there are enough refineries ready, willing and able to meet demand. Incidentally, in 1976 there were 17 oil refineries in the UK. By 2000 there were 12.
Those politicians and campaigners who demand that we 'just stop oil', or use a lot less of it, might like to reflect long and hard on the loss of thousands of skilled jobs we have just witnessed.
Those who decreed on our behalf that there should be more no petrol or diesel-powered cars by 2030 need to learn that actions may have consequences. Ironically many electric cars are produced in China, which is still commissioning new coal-fired power stations at the rate of about one a week.
The UK Government is moving heaven and earth – and a massive amount of Japanese coal – to keep the UK's only blast furnaces in Scunthorpe alive. It looks upon Grangemouth as only one of six refineries. In their eyes it is expendable.
Both the UK and Scottish governments often drag out the prospect of new work at Grangemouth in the shape of Project Acorn despite the fact that it will take many years for that particular acorn to grow and replace even a small fraction of the jobs lost today. Perhaps it should be renamed Project Carrot.
Brian Lawson
Paisley
The obsession with net zero is driving Britain into economic decline, social division, and strategic weakness. What began as a vague environmental target has morphed into an ideological crusade, detached from reality and blind to the damage it is causing.
Rural communities are being penalised for simply trying to live and work. Farmers face restrictions, motorists are vilified, and perfectly functional energy sources are being scrapped in favour of unreliable, expensive alternatives.
Meanwhile, countries like China and India continue to increase emissions – unapologetically –while we cripple our economy in a futile display of moral posturing.
Net zero is not just bad policy; it is a luxury belief of the political elite. Ordinary people are paying the price through higher bills, limited travel, and job losses in traditional industries. Yet politicians and activists refuse to admit what's obvious – Britain cannot save the world by impoverishing itself.
We need a serious energy policy, one based on affordability, security, and common sense, not fantasy targets and international virtue signalling. Fossil fuels still have a role to play. So does nuclear power. So does a proper debate, free from hysteria and censorship.
Protecting the environment matters. But destroying our way of life in the name of net zero is not the answer. It's time for Britain to put its own people first and bring this reckless agenda to an end.
Councillor Alastair Redman
Independent Councillor for Kintyre and the Islands
Islay, Argyll and Bute
I AM chief executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 people in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
As such, I urge the Scottish Government and NHS health boards to make givinostat, a new life-changing treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy available to all eligible boys and young men in Scotland. People with progressive and degenerative muscle wasting and weakening conditions such as Duchenne don't have time to waste. Accessing treatments as early as possible can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
After meeting families campaigning for access to givinostat this week, Health Secretary Neil Gray made a commitment to support the rollout of the treatment as quickly as possible. While this is welcomed, it is crucial that this is made an urgent priority.
Despite an Early Access Programme (EAP) being open for eligible patients, while we await the recommendation of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), we are not aware of any Health Board in Scotland giving the treatment to boys with Duchenne. I urge health boards to prioritise the additional resources needed, including pharmacy, phlebotomy, and nursing support.
Attention from the Scottish media has helped to shine a light on the issue. We must now ensure all those who might benefit from givinostat can access it, wherever they live.
If anyone is affected by this situation, please reach out to our helpline for support, 0800 652 6352.
Andy Fletcher
Muscular Dystrophy UK
