There is no “route to profitability” for the Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has said.
The Labour minister reiterated that the UK government would not intervene to save the ethylene manufacturing facility, which is due to close in February, impacting more than 400 workers and contractors.
Alexander – speaking after roundtable talks – said that finding a buyer for Mossmorran remained the “optimal” outcome, but that contingencies for the workforce had to be explored.
Ivan McKee, Scotland’s public finance minister, called for the closure to be halted and urged UK ministers to consider financial support and efforts to bring down energy prices.