Sir Keir Starmer told the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow on Sunday that the cash, from the National Wealth Fund, would be an “investment in Scotland’s industrial future”, with work to be done to “develop viable proposals” for an alternative future for the site, which currently employs more than 400 workers.
Roz Foyer, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, also said further money from both the UK and Scottish governments would be needed, on top of the additional funding announced by the Prime Minister.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the funding showed that the Prime Minister and UK Government had “finally listened” to the unions and others campaigning for a future for the Grangemouth site.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “The UK Government has been working at speed to ensure a long-term future for Grangemouth and the National Wealth Fund allocation announced today demonstrates our commitment to this.
An extra £200 million from the UK Government for the Grangemouth oil refinery ahead of its closure will need to be “used correctly” if it is to have a “transformative impact”, a leading trade unionist said.
