Fuels Industry UK on the Fife ethylene plant closure

The announcement of ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant’s closure is another stark reminder of how fragile the UK’s industrial base has become. When major manufacturing sites cannot operate in the current regulatory and taxation environment, skilled workers and secure jobs are the first to be hit.

This is the same pressure facing the UK’s remaining refineries. Unless the Government acts to create a more competitive policy framework, we risk further closures that weaken national resilience and deepen regional economic decline.

With the Budget next week, we hope to see a clear signal that Government recognises these challenges and is prepared to act before more strategic industries are lost.

Elizabeth de Jong, Fuels Industry UK Chief Executive Officer