A Lindsey Oil Refinery (LOR) worker has spoken of his fears for the livelihoods of staff at the plant following its takeover by Phillips 66, challenging claims by the government and the receivers that it was the best deal available.
Under the new plan, Phillips 66 will not restart oil refining and has not committed to retaining any of the 250 remaining employees beyond March. Concerns have also been raised about the wider impact on the thousands of people employed across the LOR supply chain, as well as implications for the UK’s energy security.
Speaking to Gi Grimsby News, LOR worker Phil* said that, in his view, Lindsey Oil Refinery “has not been saved”, with hundreds of jobs still at risk.
He said: “There is misinformation and false headlines in some of today’s media… Phillips 66 is delighted by the acquisition, but, in their own words, they are not going to run it as a refinery.”
Phil questioned the logic of reducing the United Kingdom’s oil production capacity.
He said, “UK fuel security has gone down the pan for the ‘greater good’ of Net Zero. We are in a Cold War situation with Russia, and America is threatening to take control of Greenland. To cut a long story short, we won’t be getting our oil from America, either; we will just import more oil.”
One claim has been that there were no serious alternative bids for the site, but Phil disputes this.
He said, “This is also hugely untrue. I can think of five bids off the top of my head that wanted the full site to remain open. Why disregard a full site bid that would have paid off the entire debt? It stinks.”
Phil also criticised Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Minister of State Michael Shanks, saying they should “both hold your heads in utter shame.” He continued: “It is disgusting that you have opted to support the economies and jobs of other countries over our very own. Let’s hope we don’t go to war, because your windmills and solar panels aren’t going to save us.”
*Name changed to protect his identity.
Roy Horobin
Joined the Gi Grimsby News team in 2025.