The Energy Minister has sought to reassure the public that fuel supplies remain secure following the collapse of State Oil, parent company of the Prax Group, which owns the Lindsey oil refinery in North Lincolnshire. The facility, one of only five major oil refineries left in the UK, failed to attract a viable buyer, leaving hundreds of jobs in jeopardy. Michael Shanks, speaking in the House of Commons, stated that while efforts had been made to maintain the site’s safety and ensure energy continuity, a sale of the business as a going concern was no longer a credible option.
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The Government has offered a temporary job and salary guarantee to directly employed staff, alongside a new training initiative aimed at helping them transition into roles within the clean energy sector. Mr Shanks emphasised that while the statutory redundancy terms could not be enhanced due to insolvency protocols, affected workers would receive comprehensive support through existing and additional schemes.
Concerns were raised in Parliament about the UK’s long-term fuel resilience. Shadow Energy Minister Andrew Bowie questioned the Government’s assessment of Britain’s refining capacity and increased dependence on fuel imports, particularly in light of the recent closure of the Grangemouth plant. Mr Shanks acknowledged these concerns but noted that supply chains had adapted in recent weeks, and there was currently no immediate risk to regional or national fuel security.
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Martin Vickers MP called for maximum support for constituents affected by the closure, with Mr Shanks placing responsibility on the refinery’s owners to act ethically towards the workforce. He remarked that those who had profited from the site now had a duty to do right by those who helped deliver that success, even as the Government’s hands remained tied by insolvency regulations.
