​​​​​​​Mayor, Combined Authority and council leaders unite over future of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery

The Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE, alongside the Leaders of North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and Lincolnshire County Councils, and members of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority —Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, Cllr Phillip Jackson, and Cllr Sean Matthews—have issued a letter to the to the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

In a united front, the four local political leaders warn that the potential closure of the refinery poses a serious threat to local employment, national fuel security, and the UK’s refining capacity. The facility, which directly employs around 440 workers and supports a further 560 indirect jobs, is a cornerstone of the regional economy and a vital component of the UK’s critical infrastructure.

“The refinery is not just a local employer—it is a national asset,” said Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire (pictured at a rally in Grimsby last week against the closure) “Its closure would be a devastating blow to our communities and a reckless step backwards for the UK’s energy resilience. We need urgent action from the Government to protect this vital infrastructure.”

The letter highlights that the UK has already lost significant refining capacity with the closure of Grangemouth, and warns that the loss of Prax Lindsey would amount to nearly 25% of the UK’s total refining capacity disappearing within months. This, they argue, would increase reliance on imported fuels, undermining the UK’s energy resilience and security.

“This is about protecting jobs, securing fuel supply, and ensuring we don’t push more families into fuel poverty,” said Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council. “We are calling on the Government to step up, engage with stakeholders, and deliver a plan that keeps this refinery operational and our communities supported.”

The leaders also raised concerns about the impact on fuel prices and heating oil costs, particularly in rural areas like Greater Lincolnshire, where fuel poverty is already a pressing issue.

“We are calling for immediate government intervention to preserve, modernise, or diversify operations at the site,” said Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council. “The Government must act now to protect jobs and ensure the UK does not become dangerously dependent on foreign fuel imports.”

“This is about safeguarding livelihoods, stabilising communities, and securing our national interests,” added Cllr Sean Matthews, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council. “We need a clear plan from the Government to support affected workers and maintain domestic refining capacity.”

The four leaders have requested an urgent meeting with Mr Miliband to discuss potential interventions and to ensure that the voices of local communities and workers are heard at the highest levels of government.