The Unite union has criticised a review on the refining and fuel import sectors in the UK by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) for being complacent over the country’s energy security.
The government review was in response to the closure of the Coryton refinery in 2012 and, says Unite, argues that the UK’s energy needs can be left to market forces.
However, the union accused the government of putting its head in the sand, pointing out that just before the report was published Murphy Oil announced it was entering into consultation on the future of the Murco plant in Milford Haven after a deal to sell the oil refinery fell through.
Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: “The government’s review on refining and fuel flies in the face of reality. The Coryton refinery has closed and now the UK faces the threat of the Murco refinery at Milford Haven being closed too.
“Britain can’t put its head in the sand and risk a total reliance on oil imports for our energy needs. The UK government cannot repeat the mistake of Coryton and allow another of the UK’s oil refineries to close.
“The UK government needs to actively support the refining and fuel import sectors for the sake of Britain’s energy security. We do however welcome the setting up of an Oil Task Force, and we will be ensuring that Unite plays its part to safeguard the UK’s energy supply and also the jobs and skills of our members.”
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