SNP demands Burnham account for £200m Grangemouth pledge as Syngenta mulls closure
SNP MSP Martyn Day says 'not a penny' of £200m promised to Grangemouth industry has been spent, as Syngenta puts 377 jobs at risk.
An SNP MSP has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reveal when he will spend £200 million promised to the Grangemouth industrial cluster, claiming that “not a penny” of the money has been delivered.
Local MSP Martyn Day’s demand comes as chemical manufacturer Syngenta revealed on Thursday it is considering ceasing all operations at the site, putting 377 jobs at risk. The company said no final decision had been made but it had entered formal consultation with trade unions and employees.
It follows a year after more than 400 workers lost their jobs when the Grangemouth oil refinery, Scotland’s last, closed.
Mr Day said his thoughts were with Syngenta workers and their families “at this hugely challenging time”, adding: “The workers of Grangemouth and surrounding areas have once again been betrayed by this UK Labour Government.”
“Labour promised £200 million of support for industry in Grangemouth, but not a penny of it has been delivered,” he said. “Grangemouth needs that money and it needs it now – Andy Burnham must immediately tell the people of Grangemouth exactly when that money is coming and exactly how it will be spent.”
The UK Government has been approached for comment.
Sources: Leigh Journal (PA) | Brit Brief
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