Challenge to Sarwar to back SNP 500 Grangemouth jobs plan

Grangemouth has been at the heart of Scotland’s industrial strength for generations. It is central to our economy, our energy future and thousands of livelihoods across the wider Forth Valley.

That is why the SNP’s commitment to create 500 additional jobs in the Grangemouth industrial cluster. This plan would take the total number of jobs supported to 1,100 and give the area a serious industrial future.

The contrast with Labour could not be clearer.

Anas Sarwar promised Grangemouth workers that Labour would step in to save refinery jobs. He has since said he regrets making that pledge. That will be cold comfort to the workers and families who have paid the price.

After the 2024 election, the Grangemouth refinery shut under Labour, with hundreds of jobs lost. Scotland’s workers were let down, and our industrial base was weakened.

If Labour could act quickly to support refineries and steelworks in England, then Scottish jobs and Scottish industry should not have been treated as second class.

Grangemouth needs a government that is on the side of Scotland’s industry. That means backing jobs, supporting the transition to new energy opportunities, and making sure workers are not left behind.

The lesson from Grangemouth is clear. Scotland has the skills, the workforce and the energy resources, but we do not yet have the powers we need to use them fully in our own national interest.

With independence, Scotland can put its energy in Scotland’s hands and make decisions that prioritise our industries, our jobs and our communities.

Grangemouth deserves better than broken promises. It deserves investment, jobs and a future. That is what the SNP is offering.