Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has called on the UK Government to extend its industrial support beyond England and ensure that vital Scottish industries, such as the Grangemouth refinery, are safeguarded amid ongoing economic challenges.
A Unified UK Strategy for Industrial Support
Swinney is set to warn that UK industrial support “cannot stop at the border,” emphasizing that Scotland must be included in a nationwide strategy to secure and grow its industrial base. His comments come as the UK faces significant global uncertainty and shifting economic landscapes.
In a speech scheduled for the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Annual Congress in Dundee, Swinney will highlight the need for a unified approach to industrial strategy. He stresses that Scotland’s industrial potential should not be overlooked, with the Scottish Government committed to making the nation an attractive investment destination. However, he points out that the UK Government also has a crucial role in ensuring Scotland’s economic future by intervening when necessary.
“We must have an approach that shows Scotland is open for business,” Swinney will tell the Congress. “There are investment opportunities out there and we must realise them.”
The Grangemouth Crisis and Calls for Nationalisation
One of the most pressing concerns for the Scottish Government is the looming closure of the Grangemouth refinery. Last year, Petroineos, the owner of the site, announced plans to shut down the refinery, a move that would directly impact hundreds of workers and disrupt a key part of Scotland’s industrial landscape. Recently, it was confirmed that 377 workers at the site had accepted voluntary redundancy, and 28 were facing compulsory redundancies.
Swinney has previously called for the Grangemouth refinery to be nationalised, echoing the UK Government’s recent move to fast-track the nationalisation of British Steel’s Scunthorpe site. In both cases, the UK Government has intervened to protect key industrial sites, and Swinney believes that a similar approach should be taken to secure the future of Grangemouth.
“The Scottish Government is committed to securing a just transition for Grangemouth, with the workforce at its heart,” Swinney said. “If British Steel can be nationalised to protect its future, then the same willingness must exist to intervene for Grangemouth.”
The Need for Investment in a Skilled Workforce
Swinney’s message also emphasizes the need for a highly qualified and skilled workforce to attract investment to Scotland. He pointed out that for Scotland to remain competitive, both in the UK and globally, its workforce must be adaptable and well-trained. This, he believes, will be key to maintaining Scotland’s industrial relevance.
Swinney’s statement follows a roundtable discussion with business leaders and trade unions, where there was broad recognition that the UK must adapt to the changing global economy. However, he stressed that Scotland’s economic future depends on both government and industry working in tandem to secure jobs and investment.
The Stakes for Scotland’s Industrial Future
As Scotland faces a series of industrial challenges, particularly with key sites like Grangemouth at risk, the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy that includes all parts of the UK is more urgent than ever. Swinney’s remarks indicate a desire for the UK Government to take a more active role in securing the future of Scotland’s industries, especially in light of the wider global uncertainties that threaten job security and industrial sustainability.
The outcome of this debate could have significant implications not only for Scotland’s economy but for the future of UK industrial policy as a whole. As the UK Government prepares for its next steps in industrial policy, the pressure is on to ensure that Scotland’s industries are not left behind.
