Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has welcomed the announcement that CF Fertilisers will restart production following an agreement with the Government.
Alex met with Secretary of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, this afternoon to discuss energy prices and the future for CF Fertilisers following the news that the Billingham based plant was shutting down production last Thursday (16 September).
Hundreds of jobs were left in the balance, and Alex sought an urgent meeting with the Energy Secretary to find a way forward for the plant to restart production and make sure jobs were saved. At the meeting Alex reiterated the need to get CF Fertilisers back up and running and sought assurances that the Government was working with the industry to make this happen.
Responding to the announcement Alex said
“I am delighted that an agreement has been reached which will see CF Fertiliser restart production at its Billingham plant. This is great news for our area, the hundreds of people who work there, and the many businesses and others from food processors to hospitals who rely on its products, specifically the CO2 which is produced as a by-product in the manufacture of fertiliser.
“At my meeting with the Secretary of State I re-emphasised the need to find a long-term solution to the pressure being felt by CF and other energy intensive industries on Teesside and for a new plan of action on carbon and gas transportation prices which along with rising gas prices is putting many businesses and jobs at risk. I hope he learns from the events of the past few days and comes forward with a sustainable long-term plan in the near future.”
