Net Zero “Trampling” British Industry, Chemicals Boss Warns Starmer Government

A chemicals plant managing director has told GB News that the relentless drive to Net Zero is “trampling” British industry, making it uncompetitive and forcing jobs abroad. Adrian Hanrahan, head of Robinson Brothers, warned that green levies and soaring energy costs are pushing manufacturers to the brink, despite their efforts to become more efficient.

British Industry Forced Abroad by Green Agenda

Adrian Hanrahan, managing director of the historic chemicals firm Robinson Brothers, revealed to GB News that the UK’s “gallop” towards Net Zero is making British manufacturing uncompetitive. He highlighted how high energy costs, exacerbated by green levies and decarbonisation pressures, are forcing companies to move production overseas. This isn’t just about profit; it’s about survival for businesses that have been cornerstones of British industry for generations.

The chemicals sector, which employs over 150,000 people directly and supports half a million wider jobs, is particularly vulnerable due to its high energy demands. Hanrahan explained that some of his firm’s products have already moved abroad because “the supply chain could no longer withstand” the excessive energy costs. This means Britain is now re-importing products it once manufactured, effectively “creating jobs in the Far East” while losing them at home.

Decarbonisation Through Deindustrialisation

Between 2021 and 2025, emissions from the UK chemicals sector dropped by 60 per cent, but over 90 per cent of this reduction came from facility closures, not efficiency gains. At least 25 facilities shut their doors in that period, with 15 citing energy costs, policy costs, carbon costs, or competitiveness as reasons, according to GB News. This stark reality means that Britain is achieving its Net Zero targets by simply shutting down its own industries.

Steve Elliott, Chief Executive of the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), sent a stark warning to Sir Keir Starmer, stating: “We are the clearest-cut case for delivering decarbonisation through deindustrialisation.” While a recent £350 million government funding package was a “welcome first step”, Hanrahan stressed it doesn’t address the fundamental issue of crippling energy costs. His own firm has already cut its workforce from 250 to 150 due to these pressures.

• British chemicals boss warns Net Zero policies are “trampling” industry.
• High energy costs, green levies, and decarbonisation pressure are driving jobs abroad.
• Over 90% of emissions reduction in the sector came from factory closures, not efficiency.
• Robinson Brothers, a firm founded in 1869, has cut its workforce by 40% due to costs.
• UK is now re-importing products it once made, creating jobs overseas.

What This Means for Britain

This situation directly impacts the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working British families. When factories close and jobs are moved abroad, local economies suffer, and skilled workers are left struggling to find new employment.

The cost of living crisis is made worse when energy policies force up prices for businesses, which then pass those costs onto consumers or cease production altogether. This means higher prices in your shops and fewer goods made here in Britain.

The Starmer government’s push for Net Zero is clearly having a devastating effect on core British industries like chemicals and steel. This raises serious questions about whether the economic consequences are being properly considered.

If Britain continues to deindustrialise in the name of green targets, it risks becoming reliant on other nations for essential goods. This undermines our national sovereignty and economic independence, something many voted to take back control of.

The government must urgently review how its Net Zero policies are affecting British manufacturing. Without a common-sense approach, more jobs will be lost, and our industrial base will be further eroded, leaving Britain weaker and poorer.

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This article is a factual summary of reporting by GB News. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News