Scottish Labour has come under fierce criticism after refusing to back a Holyrood motion urging the UK Government to intervene in the future of the Grangemouth oil refinery.
The vote took place on the same day the refinery ceased operations, a blow to Scotland’s industrial base.
The motion called for urgent action to support the site and for the UK Government to treat Grangemouth with the same priority it gave British Steel in Scunthorpe.
It stressed the refinery’s vital role in national resilience and high-quality employment.
The motion also highlighted the disparity in carbon capture funding, with England receiving billions while Scotland’s Project Acorn is left waiting.
No Scottish Labour MSP supported the motion, sparking outrage from political opponents and union figures.
SNP MSP Kevin Stewart branded the decision “a shameful betrayal of workers.”
He accused Labour of failing Scotland when it mattered most.
He said the party had missed a critical opportunity to stand up for Scottish industry.
He pointed out that Grangemouth, like Scunthorpe, is a national asset and deserves equal consideration.
Stewart reaffirmed the SNP’s commitment to backing workers and key strategic infrastructure.
He warned that failure to act would damage not just jobs but energy security and economic resilience.
Scottish Labour’s silence on the issue has sparked questions about their stance on protecting heavy industry north of the border.
Critics argue that the party’s decision undermines confidence in their ability to defend Scottish economic interests.
The row has intensified wider concerns over the UK Government’s approach to industrial support.
Many in Scotland feel short-changed as investment continues to pour into sites in England.
Project Acorn has long been touted as a world-leading carbon capture project but has repeatedly been overlooked for funding.
The SNP and other voices say this shows a clear pattern of neglect towards Scottish innovation and infrastructure.
They argue the UK Government must be held accountable for consistent underinvestment in Scottish projects.
Meanwhile, communities near Grangemouth face uncertainty about jobs and economic prospects.
Union leaders have called for immediate clarity and a transition plan that protects livelihoods.
There are growing calls for cross-party unity to ensure Grangemouth does not become another casualty of political neglect.
But with Labour choosing not to support the Holyrood motion, that unity appears far off.
The decision has left a bitter taste among workers and campaigners hoping for action, not apathy.
The fallout is expected to dominate political debate in the coming weeks.
