Coryton Refinery Debated in Commons

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, last night held an adjournment debate in the House of Commons to discuss the closure of the Coryton Oil Refinery.

Following the debate, Stephen said: “Although the Administrators’ announcement on Tuesday that they had sold Coryton as a fuel terminal made redundant much of the case that I wanted to build to save the Refinery, I was still determined to fight for the constituents that I represent.”

“Despite the disappointment of the announcement, the debate did provide an opportunity to seek answers in public to the questions that I have been asking in private for many weeks and months. I received assurances from the Minister that the case for Coryton has been explored from every angle.”

Stephen told the House, “The closure of Coryton was obviously not the outcome I fought for and the announcement was one that I had hoped never to hear. I believe it represents a sad day for the refining industry in the UK, a sad day for South Essex and above all it was a devastating blow for the hundreds of dedicated workers who have fought so hard to keep the refinery open.”

Whilst Mr Metcalfe received assurances from the Government that all avenues were explored, the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock has called for a Parliamentary inquiry into the administrative process surrounding closure of Coryton. 

Although the Minister accepted that there might be grounds to look at the process, he was less certain that the timing of any such inquiry could possibly be able to save the refinery.

Stephen Metcalfe MP commented: “I remain committed to ensuring that everyone, from the work force and the bond holders to each and every stakeholder, has been treated fairly by this process. I am hoping that an inquiry will ensure that this is the case.”

The Government has assured Coryton workers that they are now doing everything that they can to support those who have lost their jobs and have stated that they will do everything possible to bring new jobs and prosperity to the area.

Stephen Metcalfe secures debate about the future of Coryton Refinery

Following a disappointing stakeholders meeting at the Department of Energy and Climate Change last week, Stephen Metcalfe MP has secured a debate in the House of Commons to make the case for Coryton Refinery once more.  

The Adjournment Debate, scheduled to take place this evening will be an opportunity to again explain the importance of the refinery and underline the severe consequences of its closure.


Stephen said: “Yesterday’s announcement that the Coryton Oil Refinery in my constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock will close was a gravely concerning one. It is a sad day for the UK refining industry and above all a sad day for the many dedicated staff who have fought so hard to keep the refinery alive.”


“I will use this debate to re-state the importance of the refinery historically, socially and economically and will call on the Government to ensure that they have explored every avenue possible to avoid the catastrophic consequences of the closure of Coryton.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP raises Coryton at Prime Minister's Question Time

During PMQs, Stephen asked William Hague, who was standing in for the Prime Minister, to ask David Cameron to call an urgent summit over the future of Coryton.

Coryton MP says “While I don’t want to give false hope, I also don’t want to send a message of no hope”

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, commenting on the recent developments at the Coryton Oil Refinery said: “I was extremely disappointed by yesterday’s news but, in the light of a failure to secure a deal at this point, it is understandable that PWC has had to put a halt to the Turnaround Programme and to start the process of consulting with employees about redundancy.

“I have huge sympathy for everyone at the Refinery following today’s news.  Staff, Management and Unions have worked incredibly hard to find a long term sustainable future for the Refinery. Today’s news is a real set back.

“That said, I am aware there are still interested parties and that PWC have confirmed discussions will continue, but they have had to make some choices based on the fact no deal was in place by the deadline.

“Therefore, while I don’t want to give false hope, I also don’t want to send a message of no hope.

“I will continue to talk with both the Refinery and Government, as I have today, to see what can be done even now, to turn these events around.

“Over the last four months there have been a number calls for the Government to do more to save the Coryton Refinery. I want to state for the record that the Government has done all it can to support the Refinery and the process of finding a long term solution to the Refinery’s problems.

“The Government have been involved at every stage and continues to support the Administrators in seeking to find a solution. I am disappointed that Labour politicians are trying to use the plight of Coryton workers for their own political gain.

“The fact is the Government is not in the refining business and has to balance the needs of the workers at the Refinery and the demands of the taxpayer. The idea that the Government should spend more than a billion dollars to buy the Refinery is not credible and would not be acting in the best interest of the taxpayer.

“There may have been an argument that the Government could have provided some form of guarantee had a workable restructuring plan been an option, but that is not the case and not a viable alternative.

“The announcement yesterday is an outcome that none of us had wanted. I have worked closely with the refinery to explore a number of options and had hoped and still hope that a solution can be found which would secure the hundreds of jobs the Refinery supports. 

“I and the Government will continue to do what can be done, and I will not give up hope until every option has been fully explored.”

Media Links:

Thurrock Gazette

Essex Enquirer

Charity calls to end the cruel tethering of horses

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited The Essex Horse and Pony Sanctuary recently to learn about the campaign to stamp out the cruel practice of long-term tethering inflicted on tens of thousands of horses across the UK.

Tethering is where a horse is tied to a rope and can only circle a small section of land. The Sanctuary Manager Sue Allery, explained that this practice, while considered acceptable for short periods, is ill-advised for long periods.

The practice was most widespread  when horses used to be working animals and were tethered overnight following a hard day’s work. This was fine as they got plenty of exercise and movement during the day. Now that they are predominantly keep in one place and don’t work, horses can be left tethered for extended periods of time. The main problems associated with this practice are:

·         It has been known for horses to out-grow their restraints with them becoming lodged within the animal.

·         It prevents mothers from looking after their newly born fouls.

·         The horses can get harassed by dogs, or children unaware of their plight.

·         Lack of exercise

·         Inadequate access to food and water

·         Unnatural existence as they are grazing and horde animals

Speaking after the visit, Stephen said “While we are all aware that the mistreatment of animals does happen, I was unaware of the extent to which horses were exposed to such cruel conditions. Owners have a duty of care for their animals and are also required to get an annual Horse Passport, where a vet checks that the animal is well treated and in good condition, if they fail to provide one, then they face up to 2 years in prison and a £10,000 fine. Yet it seems this is not enforced, I will be writing to Essex Trading Standards to find out why. I will also speak to my colleagues at Parliament to see if any further legislation is required to address this grave-issue”