Prioritise jobs, exports and energy security, not net zero

The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has called on the Plaid Cymru First Minister to work with governments in other parts of the UK to help protect Welsh jobs and deliver energy security.

During First Minister’s Questions, Darren Millar MS warned that an “unrealistic race to Net Zero” was putting strategically important industries at risk and urged the First Minister to oppose further increases in carbon costs that could harm major employers such as the Valero oil refinery in Pembrokeshire.

The Welsh Conservative Leader highlighted the importance of the Valero oil refinery, one of just four in the UK, to the Welsh economy, supporting around 1,000 jobs and facilitating around 15% of Welsh exports. He warned that the refinery is a vital part of the UK’s energy security and that further cost pressures risk undermining its long-term future.

Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:

“Valero is one of only four oil refineries left in the United Kingdom and is a strategically critical asset for the Welsh economy, supporting around 1,000 well-paid jobs and helping deliver energy security.

“The Welsh Government has a seat at the table through the UK Emissions Trading Scheme Authority and must use its influence to stand up for Welsh industry, not sit back while more costs are piled onto businesses that are already under significant pressure.

“We’ve seen the consequences of getting this wrong. Wales has lost its steelmaking capacity and is now importing foreign steel from more polluting countries.

“Labour and Plaid have been engaged in an unrealistic race to be achieve Net Zero ahead of other countries and in so doing sacrificing jobs, investment and industry.

“The Welsh Government needs to commit to a more strategic approach that priorities energy security, exports and jobs that will secure the future of strategically critical employers like Valero.”