Council leader calls for urgent Government action to protect jobs and national energy security amid Prax Refinery liquidation

Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, has issued a strong appeal to the UK Government following the liquidation of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery – one of just five major refineries in the UK and a critical part of the South Humber Bank’s industrial infrastructure. Details of the council’s asks of the Government can be found on the Invest in North Lincolnshire website.

The refinery, which produces approximately 10% of the UK’s fuel from crude oil, entered liquidation on 30 June 2025, triggering widespread concern over job losses, supply chain disruption, and the long-term impact on national energy resilience. This shock is not just being felt locally, but will have regional and national impacts.

Cllr Rob Waltham, said: “This is a moment of national significance. The Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery is not just a local employer – it is a strategic asset that underpins the UK’s energy supply and industrial strength. Its closure would be a devastating blow to the South Humber Bank, which is home to some of the country’s most energy-intensive industries.

“The interconnected nature of our industrial ecosystem means that disruption at one site ripples across the entire region. Thousands of jobs are at risk – not only at the refinery but across the supply chain, from contractors to logistics firms.

“We are calling on the Government to act decisively and quickly: to support affected workers and businesses, to safeguard the site’s future, and to ensure the UK does not lose a vital part of its refining capacity. This is about protecting livelihoods, securing energy resilience, and preserving our industrial competitiveness.”

The position statement outlines a series of urgent policy asks, including:

· Immediate financial support for supply chain businesses.

· A government-backed remediation and redevelopment plan for the site.

· Investment in low-carbon fuel production and industrial diversification.

· Strategic engagement with local authorities to shape the site’s future use.

· Protection for apprenticeships and pension schemes affected by the closure.

The council is urging the Government to treat the situation with the seriousness it demands and to work collaboratively with local partners to deliver a sustainable and secure future for the region.