Biofuel plant workers take concerns to Westminster

Workers from the UK's largest bioethanol plant have visited Westminster to raise concerns the facility could close within days without government support.

Bosses of Vivergo Fuels in Saltend, near Hull, said the plant's future was "hanging in the balance" after the removal of a 19% tariff on US ethanol imports, which was part of the recent UK-US trade deal.

The firm said that without urgent action, the plant, which employs more than 160 people, would no longer be viable.

The government said it was working closely with the industry to understand the impacts of the trade deal and it was open to discussions over potential support.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, about 35 workers made the trip to London.

Ben Hackett, managing director of Vivergo Fuels, said: "With the future of the Vivergo plant hanging in the balance, our workers felt compelled to speak directly to their MPs about what is at stake.

"This isn't just about one site. It's about protecting thousands of skilled jobs, supporting British farming and preserving a vital part of our green energy infrastructure."

MP for Hull East Karl Turner said: "The fact that dozens of workers had to travel from East Yorkshire to Westminster today shows just how serious this situation is.

"Vivergo is not only a major employer in our region - it's a key player in our green economy and food security."

The new mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell, urged the government to "rethink" the trade deal with the US to protect British job.

In April, Associated British Foods (ABF) said it was in talks with the government to help save its Saltend plant after the company was forced to cut production levels due to low bioethanol prices.

Vivergo Fuels produces bioethanol which is used in E10 petrol.

E10, which was introduced in 2021 to help cut carbon emissions, contains up to 10% bioethanol.

The plant also produces animal feed, which is a by-product of the bioethanol production process.

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