Written questions by Leishman.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of closing (a) Grangemouth refinery and (b) Finnart terminal on changes to the level of emissions from shipping arising from those closures.

It is deeply disappointing that Petroineos confirmed its previous decision to close the oil refining operation at Grangemouth. We stand with the workers at this difficult time and worked closely with the Scottish Government to announce a joint £100 million investment plan to support the Falkirk and Grangemouth community. Grangemouth is important to the fuel supply of Scotland, and Petroineos will now convert the refinery into an import terminal to continue to provide a secure and flexible fuel supply. Alongside the Scottish Government, we have also invested £1.5 million into Project Willow to find a viable long-term future for the site in clean energy. The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the changes to the level of emissions from shipping.

Whether the Grangemouth Oil Refinery is a site of national strategic importance.

It is deeply disappointing that Petroineos confirmed its previous decision to close the oil refining operation at Grangemouth. We stand with the workers at this difficult time and worked closely with the Scottish Government to announce a joint £100 million investment plan to support the Falkirk and Grangemouth community. Grangemouth is important to the fuel supply of Scotland, and Petroineos will now convert the refinery into an import terminal to continue to provide a secure and flexible fuel supply. Alongside the Scottish Government, we have also invested £1.5 million into Project Willow to find a viable long-term future for the site in clean energy. The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the changes to the level of emissions from shipping.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the closure of Grangemouth Oil Refinery on energy security.

It is deeply disappointing that Petroineos confirmed its previous decision to close the oil refining operation at Grangemouth. We stand with the workers at this difficult time and worked closely with the Scottish Government to announce a joint £100 million investment plan to support the Falkirk and Grangemouth community. Grangemouth is important to the fuel supply of Scotland, and Petroineos will now convert the refinery into an import terminal to continue to provide a secure and flexible fuel supply. Alongside the Scottish Government, we have also invested £1.5 million into Project Willow to find a viable long-term future for the site in clean energy. The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the changes to the level of emissions from shipping.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure the ongoing operation of the Grangemouth Oil Refinery.

It is deeply disappointing that Petroineos confirmed its previous decision to close the oil refining operation at Grangemouth. We stand with the workers at this difficult time and worked closely with the Scottish Government to announce a joint £100 million investment plan to support the Falkirk and Grangemouth community. Grangemouth is important to the fuel supply of Scotland, and Petroineos will now convert the refinery into an import terminal to continue to provide a secure and flexible fuel supply. Alongside the Scottish Government, we have also invested £1.5 million into Project Willow to find a viable long-term future for the site in clean energy. The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the changes to the level of emissions from shipping.

What discussions he has had with stakeholders on (a) plans for the industrial future and (b) the workforce that could in future be based at the Grangemouth site in Scotland, in the context of the planned closure of the oil refinery in 2025.

It was deeply disappointing that Petroineos confirmed its previous decision to close the oil refining operation at Grangemouth. Since taking office, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders, leaving no stone unturned to find an industrial future for the site. In response to the company’s decision, the UK and Scottish Governments announced a joint £100 million investment package for Falkirk and Grangemouth; immediate career support to help the workforce; and a joint-funded £1.5 million project to find viable long-term options for the site, with potential for future support from the National Wealth Fund.