Falkirk East MSP blasts Ineos for Holyrood no show

Mr MacDonald, the member for Falkirk East, said the Grangemouth company’s decision not to attend the economy, energy and fair work committee – part of an inquiry into the Scottish Government’s updated climate change plan – “misguided” and urged them to think again.

Mr MacDonald said: “I am both dismayed and frustrated Ineos have refused to give evidence to the Scottish Parliament Committee, either in person or by written submission. This is not what we expect from a major player in our economy, and a multi-national company which will have a dramatic impact on our transition away from fossil fuels to a carbon zero economy.

“We expect Ineos to play a vital part in the decarbonisation of the Grangemouth industrial sector, but their refusal to directly take part in our four committee scrutiny is seriously misjudged and misguided.

“We need to understand the challenges that major players such as Ineos face as we transition to net zero, but we can’t do that if they will not engage with us.”

Mr MacDonald said he understood the convener of the the economy, energy and fair work committee had written to Ineos CEO, Monaco-based Sir Jim Ratcliffe, urging him to reconsider the firm’s decision not to give evidence.

“I hope he does reconsider,” said Mr MacDonald. “Because this snub to the committee does not fill me with confidence Ineos is taking the climate emergency, and the contribution they can make in tackling it, seriously.”