This week the First Minister announced further funding and support for the workers of Grangemouth refinery. Speaking in the Ministerial Statement on Tuesday, which you can watch here https://www.scottishparliament.tv/.../ministerial... , I was wanted assurances from the First Minister that the skills-base at the refinery would be protected. Along with £25million of funding, support will be provided to workers employed by the refinery focussing on upskilling or utilising their specialist skills within current vacancies.
I also met with both the North Sea Transition Authority and the North Sea Transition Taskforce this week. I look forward to the report by the Taskforce in the coming months. Since my election in 2021, I have repeatedly raised the need for a considered ‘just transition’, particularly for Grangemouth. With the confirmed closure of the refinery and no progress from the UK Government on proposals for the site and wider cluster through the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage Project, a ‘just transition’ for Grangemouth must be considered at pace.
Recently the Westminster Labour government introduced increases to the national insurance contributions that will be paid by employers. The implications for business are significant, and many will struggle to cover these costs in an already difficult economic climate. I met with the Scottish Hospitality Group who also raised this issue. At the Scottish Government’s debate on Employers National Insurance Contributions on Tuesday, I highlighted the damage to any prospect of economic growth due to the waning of business confidence.
Finally, I raised the issue of transportation to school for those in Gaelic-Medium Education at General Questions on Thursday. Currently the proposals by Falkirk Council have been delayed, however this issue is also being contemplated by other local authorities in Scotland. Given the Scottish Government’s commitments to promoting Gaelic language, I asked the Scottish Government what can be done to support councils facing large costs around GME transport. You can watch my question and the answer here: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleThomsonSNP/videos/615358814583688
