FMQs: SNP must keep promise to Mossmorran workers
The Scottish Government must keep the promise it made to workers in Mossmorran, says Scottish Green Co-Leader Ross Greer.
Following pressure from the Scottish Greens, in 2024 the Scottish Government pledged to commence work on a Just Transition Plan for Mossmorran in early 2025, however it has not provided any update since.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions today, Ross condemned the actions of fossil fuel giant ExxonMobil and called on the Scottish Government to make good its commitment to provide a robust just transition plan to keep jobs in the community.
In his first question to the First Minister, Ross asked:
“On Tuesday workers at ExxonMobil’s Mossmorran site were locked out of their workplace and told they would be losing their jobs. 200 staff and 250 contractors are facing unemployment.
“Ludicrously, Exxon have suggested they could support workers to get jobs at their other UK site, 500 miles away in Southampton.
“We all knew this was coming. For years the Scottish Greens called for the Government to develop a just transition plan for Mossmorran.
“And in April of 2024 the Scottish Government agreed, promising that work would commence within months. That was 18 months ago.
“So, on behalf of workers and their families who thought the Scottish Government had their back, can I ask the First Minister, where is that transition plan?”
Following a response from the First Minister, Ross highlighted the commitment the Scottish Government had made to the local community.
In his second question, Ross asked:
“I think it’s quite clear from that answer, the reality is that there is no plan and the Scottish Government broke its promise to the workers at Mossmorran.
“The Scottish Government made a commitment to the workers and the community, and it's quite clear they have done nothing to fulfil it.
“The Scottish Greens have pushed for a transition plan for years. In 2022 Fife’s Green MSP Mark Ruskell published plans that he had developed.
“He’s held summits bringing together workers, their unions and the wider community. And he pushed Government Ministers to make that commitment in the spring of last year.
“But we’ve heard nothing since. Not even in the Climate Plan published earlier this month, despite Mossmorran being responsible for 10% of all of Scotland’s emissions.
“Can the First Minister name a single thing his Government has done, specifically for the workers at Mossmorran since announcing that they would develop a just transition plan for them 18 months ago?”